Welcome to French 101!

THIS PAGE IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION!
More information will be added throughout the semester.

Suggestions?  Comments?  Send them to the  French Coordinator.
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On this page, you will find basic information about the course, hints on how to do your best, links to fun and useful French and Francophone websites, and a variety of self-corrected exercises.
Click on the underlined topics below or scroll down the page to find the information you need.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS:

PLACEMENT :  AM I IN THE RIGHT CLASS?  DO I HAVE TO TAKE A PLACEMENT EXAM?

SYLLABUS

REQUIRED AND RECOMMENDED CLASS MATERIALS

LANGUAGE LAB:  LOCATION, HOURS

PAROLES WEBSITE:    For username/ password, look under SYLLABUS.

FILM CENTER

COMMON QUESTIONS

TUTORING RESOURCES

FINAL EXAM TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 6-8 p.m.

101 INSTRUCTORS:  Office hours, email

ALL FRENCH INSTRUCTORS:  Office hours, email

STUDY ABROADHow, where, when?

CONTINUING WITH FRENCH: ELECTIVES, MAJOR/MINOR:

FRENCH/FRANCOPHONE FILM SERIES:  EXTRA CREDIT OPTION

FRENCH/FRANCOPHONE EVENTS IN THE CHICAGO AREA
 
 !!HELP!! STUDY STRATEGIES TO MAKE YOUR LIFE EASIER

UIC Spanish, French, Italian, and Portuguese Home Page

UIC Homepage
  



PLACEMENT:  Please read carefully.
A foreign language test is required for all students in the Colleges of Liberal Arts & Sciences and Architecture and the Arts who have either studied a foreign language (even if only for one semester in junior high!) or have acquired knowledge of a foreign language elsewhere. You MUST take the PEP (Pre-enrollment Evaluation Program) foreign language test in the language with which you are familiar, even if you plan on taking classes in another foreign language area. Questions?  Consult your advisor and the Office of Testing Services website.

Transfer students:  You must take the placement test if your college requires you to take a foreign language and your transfer credits do not satisfy your language requirement, OR if you elect to take a language course at UIC, and you have any knowledge of the language you have chosed to study, you are required to take that foreign language PEP test. If you have never studied a foreign language, however, and have no knowledge of any foreign language, you do not need the foreign language PEP test. Questions?  Consult your advisor and the Office of Testing Services website.

Placement test:  Where, when: Office of Testing Services (Look under "Foreign Language Testing") Still not sure you're in the right class after taking a placement exam?  Talk to your instructor and then make an appointment to talk to the French Coordinator, Dr. Elizabeth Weber, or the Director of Undergraduate Studies, Professor Ellen McClure.

WARNING:  DO NOT CHANGE CLASSES (FROM 103 to 102, for example) WITHOUT GETTING A LETTER OF PERMISSION FROM EITHER DR. WEBER OR PROFESSOR MCCLURE.  YOU WILL NOT GET CREDIT FOR TAKING A CLASS IF IT GOES AGAINST YOUR PLACEMENT SCORES AND YOU DO NOT HAVE WRITTEN PERMISSION IN YOUR FILE.

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101 SYLLABUS:
Required materials:  You will use these materials in both 101 and 102.
1)  Paroles package (text, workbook, CD-ROM, audio CD):  UIC Bookstore.
2)  Lab tapes:  Language Lab only.  Listen FREE in the Language Lab or check tapes out for $10.00 for the semester.
3)  Dasher drill software:  Download free from Language Lab.
     *Ask your instructor when software will be available.
 
Recommended:   These are OPTIONAL.
1)  English Grammar for Students of French (Jacqueline Morton):  Bookstore.
2)  Système-D writing program software:  Language Lab.

Language Lab:  305 Grant Hall.  (Tapes, CD-ROM, Dasher drills, Système-D)
   Hours and rules:  http://www.uic.edu/depts/langlab or (312) 996-8838.

Course Description:  French 101 is an introductory course for students who have never studied French before or who have taken fewer than two and a half years of high school French.  No prior study of French is needed.  Class is conducted in French.

Goals:  Introducing a variety of learning strategies for acquiring a foreign language (and useful for other classes as well) through individual and group activities in class and DAILY preparation at home or in the Language and Computer Labs (8 hours minimum per week). You will learn techniques for improving your reading, writing, listening, and test-taking skills.  You will begin to learn about France and other French- speaking areas through videos, class discussion, film, and internet activities.

Student Responsibilities:  READ SYLLABUS AND PREPARE FOR CLASS DAILY.  BE READY TO REVIEW GRAMMAR IN CLASS.     NO LATE WORK IS ACCEPTED.

Participation:  Chapter read, homework (workbook/lab book, CD-ROM, Dasher drills) regularly prepared before class, active participation in class discussions and group work, attendance (taken daily).

Weekly Participation Grade Breakdown:  10 possible points per week.
4 points:  daily attendance (attendance directly affects your participation performance)
6 points:  preparedness, eagerness to participate IN FRENCH.
      4-6 points:  well-prepared, active in class
      2-3 points:  minimally prepared, rare participation
      0 points:    no preparation, no participation

Paroles Text:  Read and prepare oral and written exercises before class, as assigned.

Paroles Cahier (Workbook/lab book):  Dossier 1-2 due on day of Contrôle, 3-4 due of day of Epreuve, or as assigned by instructor.

Workbook Self-Correction:  To receive full credit, workbook exercises must be self-corrected in a different color of ink using the answer key in the back of the cahier.  If you don't self correct workbook = 80%.
Lab section is not self-correcting.

Paroles CD-ROM:  Activites as assigned; daily use as a self-paced study tool full of fun and useful self- correcting exercises, video clips, music, and more.

Dasher Drill Software:  Activites as assigned; daily use as a self-paced study tool.  Dasher software may be downloaded FREE at the Language Lab.  Contact lab staff to find out what kind of diskette to bring.

Paroles Website:  http://www.hrwcollege.com/french/magnan/   Activities as assigned.  Ask your instructor about extra credit option for additional activities.  Check out the site for fun activities and useful practice.
TO LOG IN:  Student user name: paroles (all lower case letters)  Student password: words (all lower case)

Contrôles:  20-minute evaluations of grammar skills after Dossier 2 of each Ensemble.  Be on time.

Epreuves:  50-minute evaluations of global skills at the end of each Ensemble.  Listening, reading, and writing sections like those in your text, workbook, CD-ROM, and internet activities.   Be on time.

Extra credit:   Participate in any two (maximum) of these activities for extra credit points.  One extra credit activity replaces one missing work/lab book OR adds points to your participation grade.
A)  Paroles web activities:  Complete any activity not assigned in class.
B)  French/Francophone Film Series:  Attend any of the FREE French/Francophone films and write a one-page, typed reaction (not a summary of the plot) in English.  Your instructor will announce times/dates, or see Activities on department web page:  http://www.uic.edu/depts/sfip. (Click on French/Francophone Film Series at top of this page)

Final exam:  Tuesday, December 7, 6:00-8:00 p.m.  NO MAKE-UPS.  If you have a conflict with another exam, make arrangements with your instructor well in advance of the final.

 QUESTIONS???????  Take advantage of your instructor’s office hours!!  Click here to find out your instructor's email/office hours:   101 Instructors' Office Hours.

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EVALUATION                                                                   GRADING SCALE
Participation                           15%                                            90 - 100 A
Homework/labwork               20%                                            80 - 89 B
Skit                                        5%                                              70 - 79 C
Contrôles                               20%                                            60 - 69 D
Epreuves                               25%                                            YOU MUST HAVE AT
Activité orale:                         5%                                              LEAST A C IN 101
Final                                     10%                                             TO CONTINUE TO 102.
 

NO MAKE-UPS on departmental exams, orals, or compositions without an official excuse.
If you know ahead of time that you must miss an exam, make arrangements with your instructor.
 A missed quiz, oral, or composition is scored as a zero.

NO INCOMPLETES:  Policy of Spanish, French, Italian and Portuguese Department and LAS.

PLEASE NOTE:  YOU MUST RECEIVE A C OR ABOVE IN 101 TO CONTINUE TO 102.
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REQUIRED AND RECOMMENDED MATERIALS:
For full information, click on SYLLABUS.
Available in UIC Bookstore (basement of CCC).
Let your instructor know immediately if there are any problems at the bookstore.

Required:
1)  Paroles package (text, workbook, CD-ROM, audio CD):  UIC Bookstore.
2)  Lab tapes:  Language Lab only.  Listen FREE in the Language Lab or check tapes out for $10.00 for the        semester.
3)  Dasher drill software:  Download free from Language Lab.
     *Ask your instructor when software will be available.
 
Recommended:   These are OPTIONAL.
English Grammar for Students of French (Jacqueline Morton):  Bookstore.
Système-D writing program software:  Language Lab.
 
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LANGUAGE LAB:  305 Grant Hall
Click on the title above to go directly to the Language Lab site.
Check out tapes for $10.00 a semester or listen FREE in lab.

HOURS:  Hours may change during the semester.   Call Language Lab for updated information.
Monday-Thursday:  8:30-7:00
Friday:  8:30-4:30
Weekends:  CLOSED

Cassette tapes, CD-ROMs, tape recorders, and computers.  For extended work on computers, go to one of the many computer labs around campus.

Système-D:  Try it!  This is a writing program, accessible only in the Language Lab.  It contains a word-processing program with an on-line dictionary, verb list, and grammar rules.

Bring your own diskette.  You can print out (free) from this program ONLY in the Language Lab.
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FILM CENTER:  Douglas Hall, 3rd floor, in the Architecture and Art Library.
Hours:  8:30 -5:00 M-F (CLOSED on weekends).

The Film Center has a huge selection of foreign and American films/documentaries that you can watch in one of their viewing rooms or check out FREE.
THE CATCH: Videos must be returned by 10:00 a.m. the following day (9:00 if video was on reserve)-- late fee is $25.00.  Yes, TWENTY-FIVE DOLLARS.  Ask Film Center staff for details.
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ELECTIVE CLASSES and MAJOR/MINOR REQUIREMENTS:
Thinking about continuing with French?  After you finish 104, you may continue with literature courses, grammar (conversation and composition) courses, or both!
Interested?  Check out the information in the UIC Undergraduate Catalog.  Questions?  Consult the Director of Undergraduate Studies, Professor Ellen McClure.

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STUDY ABROAD:
Dreaming of Paris or the South of France?  Dakar, Montreal, or Fort-de-France?  You CAN afford it.   The French section sponsors two programs:

1)  UIC FRENCH PROGRAMS (other French programs do exist:  contact Study Abroad directly).
Avignon:  Requirements:  Completed 104, junior standing, 3.5 GPA.   Deadline:  March 15 for the following year.  Ask about deadlines for summer/semester options.

Paris:  Requirements:  Completed 3 of the 200-level French classes at UIC.  Deadline:  March 15 for the following year.  Ask about deadlines for semester option.

For more information about these programs, contact Professor John Ireland or the Study Abroad Office, 502 University Hall, 312-413-7662.

2)  More interested in French-speaking Africa, the Caribbean, or Canada?  Worried about financial aid for study abroad?  Contact the Study Abroad Office, 502 University Hall, 312-413-7662.

3)  Study abroad general questions (financial aid, can I take classes in English, etc).  Study Abroad Office, 502 University Hall, 312-413-7662, for more information.

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COMMON QUESTIONS: 

--The classes are all taught in French!!
All UIC French courses are taught in French.  Whether you have never taken French before or French wasn't spoken in your high school classes, RELAX!  Do not try to understand every word:  concentrate on getting the gist (most important part) of the information  you hear.  The instructor will take special care to make things clear to everyone.  Do not ask the teacher to speak more English in the class: if you concentrate in class and practice with your book and tapes outside of class, you will find that you understand enough to follow.
 
 
--The other students took previous French classes at UIC.
Many students enter at the 102, 103, or 104 level.  You are NOT at a disadvantage--you're just closer to starting that French minor or major!  If you took the placement test and were placed in 102, 103, or 104, you're probably in the right place.  If you didn't take the placement test, talk to your instructor immediately.

If, after the first few days, you feel that you really can't understand what the teacher is saying or follow the book and workbook, let your teacher know.  She may send you to the Director of Undergraduate Studies or to the Coordinator to discuss this.

LAST DAY to switch classes is the second Friday of classes.  However, it is to your advantage to switch as soon as possible, preferably by the end of the first week of classes.
 
 
--I have a disability that I feel will affect my performance in this class.
If you have a disability that might influence your success in this class, let your instuctor know immediately.  The Office of Disability Services (http://www.uic.edu/depts/counselctr/disability/diswebpg.htm) will give you a letter to give your instructor.   You should also discuss the situation with your instructor to make sure that you both understand how best to accommodate your disability in this class.

--I got a low grade in my last French class.
Language learning is cumulative:  each semester builds on the information learned the previous semester.  Catching up takes time, so if you want to get a better grade/understand more this semester, you will need to put in extra time and maybe get extra help from your instructor or a tutor.  Let your instructor know immediately that you're working on improving--you'll need to start reviewing the last semester's information as early as possible.

--I don't have much time to put into it, but it's a graduation requirement.
Don't assume that you won't enjoy or learn from a class just because it's a requirement!  You may find that one of the required classes you take inspires you to change your major or minor, or simply to broaden your horizons.  Remember that the course requirements are the same for everyone, and that language learning is culumlative.  This means each semester builds on the information learned in the previous one, so it's important to do your best each semester.
 

--I'm interested in becoming a major or minor:  where do I start?
Start by contacting Professor Ellen McClure, the Director of Undergraduate Studies.  Professor McClure will explain the major and minor requirements and advise you which classes will fit best with your interests and needs.
 
--How soon can I study in France or a Francophone country?
Dreaming of Paris or the South of France?  Dakar, Montreal, or Fort-de-France?  You CAN afford it.   The French section sponsors two programs:
1)  UIC FRENCH PROGRAMS (other French programs do exist:  contact Study Abroad directly).
Avignon:  Requirements:  Completed 104, junior standing, 3.5 GPA.   Full year deadline:  March 15 for the following year.  Ask about deadlines for summer/semester options.

Paris:  Requirements:  Completed 3 of the 200-level French classes at UIC.  Full year deadline:  March 15 for the following year.  Ask about deadlines for semester option.

For more information about these programs, contact Professor John Ireland or the Study Abroad Office, 502 University Hall, 312-413-7662

2)  More interested in French-speaking Africa, the Caribbean, or Canada?  Worried about financial aid for study abroad?  Contact the Study Abroad Office, 502 University Hall, (312) 413-7662.

3)  Study abroad general questions (financial aid, can I take classes in English, etc).  Study Abroad Office, 502 University Hall, (312) 413-7662, for more information.

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TUTORING:
Questions?  Worries?  FIRST, talk to your instructor.  Go to her/his office hours and/or set up an appointment.  Before talking to your instructor, pick out one or several specific difficulties you have in your book, workbook, or on quizzes.  Your instructor will work with you to improve how you study and prepare for class and testing.   Click here for 101 Instructors' office hours/email:  101 Instructors.

Need extra help?  Try some of these FREE options.

Writing in any class (including French!):  The Writing Center.  100 Douglas Hall.  (312) 413-2206 or email uicwrite@uic.edu.
(http://www.engl.uic.edu/writingcenter/ )

Honors College:  Free tutoring for all students in a variety of classes. 114 Burnam Hall, (312) 413-2260.  Click on the title to go directly to their website.
(http://khayman.hc.uic.edu/tutorintro.htm)

Academic Center for Excellence:  Instruction in critical thinking, writing, and quantitative skills.
Student Services Building (SSB), Suite 2900.  (312) 413-0031

African-American Academic Network:  Free tutoring and counseling for African American students
Student Services Building (SSB), Suite 2800.  (312) 996-5040.

LARES (Latin-American Students):  Free tutoring and counseling for Latin-American students.
Student Services Building (SSB), Suite 2640.  (312) 996-4515.
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FINAL EXAM:

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 6-8 P.M.   Location will be announced.

NO MAKE-UPS.  Check your other final exams immediately and notify your instructor if you have a conflict.

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101 INSTRUCTORS:   Email and office hours.
NOTE:  Some instructors may not accept email.  Check with your instructor before sending email.

Office hours may change:  please check with your instructor to verify office hours.

Getting the most out of office hours:  BE SPECIFIC.  Before talking to your instructor, pick out one or several specific difficulties you have in your book, workbook, or on quizzes.  Your instructor will also work with you to improve how you study and prepare for class and testing.
 

CLICK ON NAME TO EMAIL OFFICE / PHONE OFFICE HOURS
Minglei Huang 1631 UH   996-5586 T, W, Th:  11-12
Sylvia Koneman  1631 UH   996-5586 W, Th: 1-2; F: 11-12
Anna Mijalski 1631 UH   996-5586 W, Th, F: 12-1
Sac'i Nakano  1631 UH   996-5586 T, Th: 12-1, W: 9:45-10:45.
Régis Rolando 1613 UH   996-5076 T: 3-4, W, Th: 1-2
 
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FRENCH/FRANCOPHONE FILM SERIES:   List can also be accessed from Spanish, French, Italian, and Portuguese Department page by clicking on Activities, then French.

FALL 1999 FILMS:
All films are in French with English sub-titles
FREE:  EVERYONE WELCOME!!

THURSDAYS at 4:00, LATINO CULTURAL CENTER (LECTURE CENTER B2)

September 2:    The Eighth Day
Harry is an unhappy workaholic until he meets Georges, a man with Down's syndrome, and they take a journey of self-discovery.  The Belgian "Rain Man."

September 16:   La Haine
Three friends from different backgrounds struggle to survive violence, unemployment, and racial hatred in a Parisian ghetto.

October 7:    Baxter
Being a talking smart-alec dog makes it hard to get along with your owners, so Baxter is always moving along...

October 21:  Sorceress
This story of a medieval clash between a dedicated healer and a fanatical pursuer of heretics addresses some of the ways in which early Christianity was challenged by other religions and beliefs.

November 11:   Hiroshima mon amour
The relationship between French actress and a Japanese architect is colored by their vivid and painful memories of World War II.

November 18:   Ma Vie en Rose.
Ludovic is a seven-year-old boy who is convinced he's a girl.  He wants to marry his next door neighbor--who happens to be the son of his father's boss.
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FRENCH /FRANCOPHONE ACTIVITIES:
French/Francophone Film Series!  See above:  click on the title for current schedule and synopses of films.  See SYLLABUS for explanation of EXTRA CREDIT option.

FilmFacets Multimedia has an extensive collection of French/Francophone videos for rent or purchase.  They also regularly show French films.  Click on the name for information.

Alliance Française of Chicago:  54 W. Chicago Avenue.  (312) 337-1070.   Become a member and participate in many French and Francophone activities (parties, lectures, film series); check out books or films from their extensive library.   Click on their name to find out more.

Art Institute of Chicago:  111 S. Michigan Avenue.  (312) 443-3680.

Liaison:  Newsletter of the French Cultural Services office in Chicago:  Lists all current French/Francophone events in the Chicago area.  (http://www.france-consulat.org/chicago/, or click on the highlighted word)
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PRACTICE EXERCISES:     COMING SOON!

These exercises are all self-corrected.  You can do them on a separate piece of paper or print them out.  Answers are the bottom of each page.
 

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!!HELP!!             UNDER CONSTRUCTION.  WE NEED YOUR SUGGESTIONS!
 These study strategies and hints will help you succeed in French 101 and in your other classes!

Study Strategies:
*Click here to email us YOUR suggestions and tips for other students:  Coordinator.

Click here for suggestions from instructors and other students.

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Writing Hints:
*Click here to email us YOUR suggestions and tips for other students:  Coordinator.

Click here for hints on how to prepare for writing assignments.
Sample student compositions.

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Oral Presentation Hints:
*Click here to email us YOUR suggestions and tips for other students:  Coordinator.

Click here for suggestions on preparing for oral presentations and exams.

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Listening Strategies:
*Click here to email us YOUR suggestions and tips for other students:  Coordinator.

Click here for hints on sharpening your ear.
 
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Exam-Taking Strategies:
*Click here to email us YOUR suggestions and tips for other students:  Coordinator.

Preparing for grammar:

Preparing for listening comprehension:

Preparing for compositions:

Preparing for reading exercises:
 

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All French Instructors, Fall 1999:  Click on any underlined name to email directly.
 
FRENCH 101:
 

CLICK ON NAME TO EMAIL OFFICE / PHONE OFFICE HOURS
Minglei Huang 1631 UH   996-5586 T, W, Th:  11-12
Sylvia Koneman  1631 UH   996-5586 W, Th: 1-2; F: 11-12
Anna Mijalski 1631 UH   996-5586 W, Th, F: 12-1
Sac'i Nakano  1631 UH   996-5586 T, Th: 12-1, W: 9:45-10:45.
Régis Rolando 1613 UH   996-5076 T: 3-4, W, Th: 1-2
 
 

FRENCH 102:
 
CLICK ON NAME TO EMAIL  OFFICE / PHONE OFFICE HOURS
John Lau 1631 UH  996-5586 T, W, Th: 11-12
Jeanine Teodorescu-Regier 1609 UH  996-4582 T: 2-3:30, W: 12-1:30
Kristin Veto  1631 UH  996-5586 W:  11-12, F:  11-1
 
 

FRENCH 103:
 
CLICK ON NAME TO EMAIL OFFICE / PHONE OFFICE HOURS
Monique Grone 1613 UH  996-5076 T, W, Th:  11-12
Régis Rolando  1613 UH  996-5076 T: 3-4, W, Th: 1-2
 

FRENCH 104:
 
CLICK ON NAME TO EMAIL OFFICE / PHONE OFFICE HOURS
Guy Estinvil  1631 UH  996-5586 M, T: 1-2;  W: 11-12
Suzanne Filipic 1631 UH  996-5586 W: 12-1:30; Th: 1-2:30
Monique Grone 1613 UH  996-5076 T, W, Th:  11-12
 
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