FRENCH I COURSE DESCRI[TION

In this beginning course, the intent is to establish good habits of pronunciation, to develop aural comprehension, and to acquire a practical conversational vocabulary.  Speaking and listening skills are stressed and students also study the grammatical concepts necessary for basic oral and written communication.  The students are exposed to the various cultures in the francophone world through music, films, and readings that allow them to explore and appreciate other cultures.  Mastery of the basic skills will allow a smooth transition into the second level of French.

FRENCH II COURSE DESCRIPTION

The students continue to develop their skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing.  New grammatical structures are learned as well as idiomatic expressions used in daily conversation.  CD's, songs, and films are used to develop correct pronunciation, to stimulate discussion, and to increase the student's knowledge of and appreciation for the cultures in the francophone world.  A report on a fracophone African country is a major project in the course.  Throughout the year the students read articles from a magazine in French written for young people and during the spring semester there is a reading project.  The students strive to speak only French in the classroom.

FRENCH IV/AP COURSE DESCRIPTION

A student of French at this level will practice the French expressions for many colorful, current, and idiomatic terms through dialogues, discussion, of texts, recordings, videos, films, contemporary music, and by presentation of interviews, exposes and reports based on topics of current interest.  Students will read several stories from the Petit Nicolas collection as well as a  comtemporary work by a Caribbean francophone author.  A student who has consistently performed at a high level is encouraged, but not required, to take the French Language Advanced Placement exam.

AFRICAN HISTORY COURSE DESCRIPTION

In this course the student will take part in dispelling myths about what many have referred to as the "Dark Continent".  The great kingdoms of Africa will be studied with special consideration given to the role geography played in their development.  The conflicts between modernization and traditional ways of life following colonization will also be given attention.  The growing pains experienced by many African countries following independence will lead the student into 21st century Africa with its pitfalls and promises.  Recordings, films, articles, and papers will enhance the student's study of this great continent.