French Course Descriptions

French 7
The students begin a formal study of French. Stress is given to oral as well as written skills. Basic grammatical structures are presented and students begin to read short passages. They are also introduced to the culture of French- speaking countries.

French 8
The student builds upon the skills acquired in grade 7. Listening, reading, writing, and speaking are integral parts of the program. Basic knowledge is enlarged so that students complete material equivalent to the first year of French at the high school level. The study of French culture is continued.

French I
This course is designed for the entry-level student. Materials are presented in an active, flexible and meaningful way. Vocabulary, idiomatic expression, and basic french grammar are taught. The goals are to develop all four basic language skills: speaking, listening, reading and writing, and to introduce students to the culture of French speaking countries.

French II
Material covered in French I is reviewed while the four basic language skills are further developed, active and passive vocabulary are expanded and all basic grammatical structures are taught. Class participation is stressed and more emphasis is placed on written assignments. Class is conducted in French.

French III
Students review in depth the material presented in French I and II and complete the study of all major grammatical concepts. More emphasis is placed on reading comprehension and free composition. Class is conducted in French.

Honors French IV
The goal of this course is to acquire proficiency in all four language skills. At the end of French IV, students should be able to understand and communicate effectively with native speakers of French in writing and speaking. Tapes of native speakers are used to develop listening and speaking skills, and literary and cultural readings form the basis for classroom discussion and written work. Classes are conducted in French. This course may be taken for Advanced College credit through St. Louis University's 1-8-1-8 program.

AP French V
French V is an Advanced Placement Course in French language which, together with French IV, prepares students to take the Advanced Placement French Language Examination. The same techniques as those used in French IV help the students further develop reading, writing, listening and speaking skills in different contexts. This course especially trains students to express themselves coherently, fluently and accurately using the two active language skills - speaking and writing. Newspaper articles, cultural and literary texts, films, newscasts, and web sites allow students to explore the Francophone world, past and present. Classes are conducted in French. Students who so desire may also elect to take this course for Advanced College Credit through St. Louis University's 1-8-1-8 program.