MLL 427-01 French Civilization, Krepps

Pittsburg State University
Spring 2015
MLL 427-01
French Civilization
TEXTS: Edmiston & Duménil,
La France contemporaine, 4th ed. (Heinle)
FRENCH TABLE: W: 12-1
INSTRUCTOR: Myriam Krepps
OFFICE: 408 Grubbs Hall
OFFICE PHONE: 620-235-4710
E-MAIL: [email protected]
OFFICE HOURS:
M-F: 9-10; M/W: 11-12; T/W/Th: 2-3
and by appointment
COURSE DESCRIPTION (Content to be covered in course & anticipated student learning
outcomes) -- Class will meet face-to-face, twice/week:
This course provides an in-depth study of French culture and civilization, expanding on the
cultural and historical knowledge introduced in the Readings I and II courses. The fourth and fifth
semester courses mostly dealt with various aspects of the history and culture of France (from the
Gauls to the Fifth Republic, arts, architecture, literary movements, etc.). The focus of this
advanced level civilization course will be on the institutions and values of contemporary France,
helping French majors to understand better the nation from which this language originates. Our
textbook, La France contemporaine, will allow students to become familiar with the geography
of France and the major political, social, economic, and cultural forces at work in France today.
This textbook, while providing students with the knowledge that is familiar to the average,
educated, French citizen, is written with North American students in mind, using parallels and
contrasts to highlight cultural specificities, allowing students to understand similarities and
differences in a more personal and significant way. Classes will be conducted entirely in French.
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES (Methods of assessment of student learning):
Students will be expected to do the assigned reading for each class period and be prepared to
participate in class discussions about the works being studied. There will be a written preparation
assigned for each class period on the material to be discussed: Contrôle des connaissances,
helping student check their comprehension of the material presented in each chapter. Attendance
and participation count heavily in the final grade and should be taken seriously. Three absences
(excused or unexcused) are permitted, missing more than three class periods will affect the
Participation & Attendance portion of the student’s final grade. Students may be dropped from
the class for excessive absences. Students who miss class are responsible for work assigned on
the missed day.
Students will do two formal in-class presentations accompanied by a power-point to report on:
 One French region of their choice (each student must present a different region).
Presentations must include all aspects relevant to the region studied: geography,
history, culture, gastronomy, economy, industries, etc. Each presentation must last
12-15 minutes and be accompanied by a power-point presentation (8-10 slides).
Students must turn in a print out of their power-point presentations on the day they
are presenting;

Their findings and analysis on a specific aspect of their choice of French civilization.
Students can research and develop any topic presented in Parts II to V of their
textbook. Each student must have a different topic to present, presentations must last
20 minutes and be accompanied by a power-point presentation (10-12 slides).
Students must turn in a print out of their power-point presentation on the day they are
presenting.
Students will be asked to write:
 Answers to Contrôles des connaissances for each chapter. After discussing the
material in class, students will be asked to turn in their typed, written answers at the
end of each section (Parties I-V, 2 to 5 chapters each), including short analytical
essay-questions, examining specific aspects of the material studied.
 Two research papers (6-8 pages each) developing the elements presented in their oral
presentations. Papers must be well documented (they may include maps, charts,
graphs, etc.) and accompanied by a complete list of sources.
All contrôles, papers and power-point presentations must be in French and typed (including
accent marks).
For contrôles and papers you must use a standard format: double spaced, size 12 font, 1” margins
top and bottom, 1.25” right and left.
All work must include the following information on the title page: student name, class # and
name, teacher’s name, title, date.
I expect all students to follow the university’s guidelines on academic integrity. See the
“ACADEMIC HONESTY AND INTEGRITY POLICY” section of this syllabus for the link to
the university’s guidelines on academic integrity. On research papers and power-point
presentations students are expected to provide a list of all sources used to inform their research
(quoted or unquoted). You can use the MLA style or any other style you are familiar with for
your source citations and quotes as long as you are consistent with whatever style you choose to
use. Intentional plagiarism will be severely penalized.
Students will also be required to spend a ½ hour per week in conversation with a native French
speaker. Her/his schedule will be made available to you, and you will sign up for a permanent
time-slot to meet with her/him each week. If you miss your appointment the Modern Languages
and Literature Department budget cannot afford to pay your conversation partner double—for the
time you miss and for the make-up appointment; so make sure to contact your Conversation
Partner in advance to cancel an appointment. You may reschedule only if you cancel in advance.
Sujets de conversation: Il n’y a pas de sujets définis, mais vous devez discuter avec votre
partenaire de sujets se rapportant à l’actualité française et francophone. Essayez d’avoir des
conversations variées et ne parlez pas anglais. Votre partenaire de conversation n’est pas
autorisé à vous aider à vos devoirs.
Students are also encouraged to attend the French Table throughout the semester (and the French
Club activities if available).
SPECIAL CONCERNS:
Any student who, because of a disabling condition, may require some special arrangements in
order to meet course requirements should contact me as soon as possible to make necessary
accommodations.
GRADING POLICIES:
Your grade will be calculated in the following manner:
Discussion & Attendance
Contrôles
Présentations
Papers
20%
30%
30%
20%
Grading scale:
A = 90% -100%
B = 80% - 89%
C = 70% - 79%
D = 60% - 69%
F = 0% - 59%
STATE STANDARDS:
Students make progress towards meeting standards required for the PreK-12 Teaching Field in
Foreign Language, including:
Standard # 1: The teacher of a foreign Language has knowledge in specific areas related to the
target language, its literature, and its culture appropriate to the developmental needs and interests
of students.
Knowledge # 1: The teacher is aware that language manifests itself in all aspects of life.
Knowledge # 2: the teacher knows how the target culture and target language interrelate.
Knowledge # 3: The teacher understands linguistic and cultural realities as dynamic and
complex and views perspectives of language and culture in relation to practices and
products.
Knowledge # 4: The teacher knows both formal and informal aspects of the target
language: geography, history, economics, the arts, religion, politics, daily living and
customs, social sciences, literature, and origins of the language.
Performance # 1: the teacher presents the target language, its literature, and its culture in
contextually meaningful situations.
Performance # 2: The teacher explains the interrelated connections between the target
language and the target culture.
Examples of Required Performance: Write short analytical essay questions and a
developed research essay for a final paper, participate in class discussion, give two oral
presentations, one focusing on factual information, the other developing an analysis of a
cultural aspect.
IKE (Certificate of International Knowledge and Experience)
This course counts towards the academic component of the IKE Certificate of International
Knowledge and Experience. The IKE Certificate may be earned by students in any major. The
academic component consists of five courses - two semesters of a foreign language, and three
courses with international content in three different disciplines. To receive the certificate,
students must also complete a second component, either by studying abroad, or by participating in
co-curricular activities on campus. Completion of the IKE certificate as an undergraduate is noted
on a student’s PSU undergraduate transcript, although graduate students may also earn the
certificate. To be added to the IKE CANVAS group and start tracking your progress towards the
certificate, please e-mail your GUS number in a request to [email protected] .
More information on the IKE program is available online at
http://www.pittstate.edu/department/ike/international-knowledge-and-experience/index.dot
STUDY ABROAD INFORMATION:
The department strongly recommends that all Modern Languages and Literatures majors and
minors participate in an accredited study abroad program. PSU offers study abroad scholarships
as well as assistance with other financial aid. To learn about accredited programs, contact Tillie
Fathbruckner, Study Abroad Coordinator, at [email protected] or 235-4221, or visit
118C Whitesitt Hall. For information on transfer credits, consult with Dr. Celia Patterson, Chair,
English; Interim Chair, Modern Languages and Literatures, 235-4689 or visit 434 Grubbs Hall.
ACADEMIC HONESTY AND INTEGRITY POLICY:
I expect you to read and follow the university’s guidelines on academic integrity. The PSU’s
policy on Dishonesty in Academic Work can be found at the following link
http://www.pittstate.edu/audiences/current-students/policies/rights-and-responsibilities/academicmisconduct.dot or consult “Academic Misconduct” on CANVAS (in “Syllabus”).
SYLLABUS SUPPLEMENT:
Consult the PSU Syllabus Supplement (on CANVAS in “Syllabus”) or the following link
http://www.pittstate.edu/dotAsset/fb38ac9b-9c03-4b77-9bc4-7e71f5584060.pdf for information
on:
Important dates
Dropping a course or withdrawing for the semester
Important information for students receiving financial assistance
Important information for international students
Class attendance policy
Severe weather information
Academic integrity policy
Mid-term grades
Incomplete grades
Final grade reports
Grade appeals
Dead week policy
Final exam schedule
Final exam overload policy
Where to go for assistance (check the category that applies to your needs)
TENTATIVE SYLLABUS
Janv.
Fév.
Mars
12
14
Introduction
Repères chronologiques
19
21
Jour férié : Fête de Martin Luther King
La France et les Etats-Unis / Discussion : Introduction
26
28
Partie I : La France et l’Europe
La France et l’Europe
2
4
La France et l’Europe
La France et l’Europe
9
11
La France et l’Europe
Discussion : Partie I « La France et l’Europe », chapitres 1 à 5
16
18
Partie II : La vie politique
La vie politique
23
25
La vie politique
Discussion : Partie II « La vie politique », chapitres 6 à 8
2
4
Partie III : La vie sociale
La vie sociale
9
11
Présentations sur une région
La vie sociale
14-22 Vacances de Printemps
Avr.
23
25
Discussion : Partie III « La vie sociale », chapitres 9 à 11
Mme Krepps absente
30
1
Partie IV : La vie culturelle
La vie culturelle
6
8
La vie culturelle
Discussion : Partie IV « La vie culturelle », chapitres 12 à 14
13
15
Partie V : L’information et la technologie
L’information et la technologie
20
22
Discussion : Partie V « L’information et la technologie », chapitres 15 et 16
Les changements depuis la 4e édition
27
29
Présentations sur un aspect de la civilisation française
Présentations sur un aspect de la civilisation française
PROGRAMME TENTATIF DES DEVOIRS A RENDRE
All contrôles, papers and power-point presentations must be in French and typed (including
accent marks).
For contrôles and papers you must use a standard format: double spaced, size 12 font, 1”
margins top and bottom, 1.25” right and left.
All work must include the following information on the title page: student name, class # and
name, teacher’s name, title, date.
Janv.
21
Discussion : Introduction
Fév.
11
Discussion : Partie I « La France et l’Europe », chapitres 1 à 5
18
Rendre les « Contrôles des connaissances » de la Partie I « La France et
l’Europe », chapitres 1 à 5 (pages 13-14, 31-33, 53-55, 72-74, 88-90).
25
Discussion : Partie II « La vie politique », chapitres 6 à 8
4
Rendre les « Contrôles des connaissances » de la Partie II « La vie
politique », chapitres 6 à 8 (pages 105-107, 122-124, 140-142).
9
11
Présentations sur une région avec power-point (12-15 mn / 8-10 slides)
Rendre le rapport sur la région présentée (6-8 pages)
Mars
14-22 Vacances de Printemps
Avr.
23
Discussion : Partie III « La vie sociale », chapitres 9 à 11
1
Rendre les « Contrôles des connaissances » de la Partie III « La vie sociale »,
chapitres 9 à 11 (pages 161-163, 185-188, 202-204).
8
Discussion : Partie IV « La vie culturelle », chapitres 12 à 14
15
Rendre les « Contrôles des connaissances » de la Partie IV « La vie
culturelle », chapitres 12 à 14 (pages 224-225, 240-241, 260-262).
20
Discussion : Partie V « L’information et la technologie », chapitres 15 et 16
27
Rendre les « Contrôles des connaissances » de la Partie V « L’information et
la technologie », chapitres 15 et 16 (pages 279-281 et 305-307).
Présentations sur un aspect de la civilisation française avec power-point (20 mn /
10-12 slides)
Présentations sur un aspect de la civilisation française avec power-point (20 mn /
10-12 slides)
29
Mai
4
Analyse sur un aspect de la civilisation française (6-8 pages) à rendre
(au plus tard) lundi 4 mai à 10h00