COURSE TITLE:

Course Number: MDLA 102 Section Number: 01

Current Semester: Fall 2019 Room Number: Richardson Hall 10
Course Meeting Days and Times: 1 – 1:50 pm, M, W, F Credit Hours: 3

INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION:
Instructor’s Name: Agatha Nguyen-Tran

Email Address: [email protected] and [email protected]

Office Hours: M, W, F 2:50 – 3:30 pm (By appointment only)

Office & Mailbox Location: College Center 270
Cell Phone: 484 226 5737 (Between 8 am and 4 pm, weekdays only)
Course Description:

This introductory course focuses on listening, speaking, reading and writing in French.
Vocabulary and basic grammatical structures are emphasized, and cultural elements are fully
integrated in all aspects of the course. This course is designed for students who have not
previously studied French and is not appropriate for native French speakers.

Course Objectives:

Upon completion of this course the student will:

1. accurately reproduce the sounds and intonations of the French language.

2. comprehend a broad passive vocabulary and use an active vocabulary of at least 250
words centering on controlled areas (i.e. objects, family members, descriptions).
3. communicate simple exchanges, ask and answer simple questions as well as develop
his/her own expressions in French relying on learned vocabulary and phrases.
4. read for broad comprehension without translation.
5. understand and use effectively basic structural forms of the French language regarding
verbs, nouns, articles, pronouns, adjectives, and adverbs.
6. spell correctly in French and understand the use of and effects of accents on French
letters.
7. write accurate and effective French sentences.

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 8. become familiar with the geography of France and aware of other regions of the world
where French is spoken as well as appreciate some French literature, music and typically
French cultural attitudes.
Required Materials:
Required texts: Promenades with Supersite WebSam
By J.G. Mitchell, C. Mitschke and C. Tano, Third Edition
Vista Higher Learning
Other supplies: Notebook or folder and paper for class notes
NCC POLICIES:

These policies can be found in your student handbook, on the course page in Blackboard under
the tab “Academic Policies and Procedures,” or through the NCC website at
https://northampton.smartcatalogiq.com/2018-2019/College-Catalog/Policies-College-Academic
It is the student’s responsibility to read, review, and understand these policies.

Instructor Specific Policies:

Students will not be graded on attendance; however, students will be graded on class
participation.
The use of online translator or electronic programs is considered cheating in a language class. I
will apply the same consequences as for plagiarizing, which is a failing grade.
The penalty which will be applied in this class is a failing grade for the assignment or test if
the student is caught cheating. If a student violates the academic honesty policy twice,
he/she will receive an “F” for the course.
Lateness to Class: Please be prompt. Attendance will be recorded at the beginning of class. If
you arrive after 1:05 pm, you are considered late. If you know ahead of time that you will be
late, please let me know either the class before or at least 15 minutes before class time, so I can
change the status to PRESENT. 3 lates=1 absence. If you are stuck in traffic, please text me.
Project / Assignments / Tests: Late project assignment handed in over a week after the due
date will not be accepted. A student may make up a missed test only when he/she presents a
valid doctor's note to cover the absence. If you are sick on the day of the test, please text me
before 12 noon. For the semester, you are allowed to miss only one test. Homework will be
posted on Blackboard and reminded on the board, so remember to write it down at the
beginning of class and check Blackboard regularly! Assignments will be from the Online
Program (WebSAM) and will require the use of the computer for completion of the exercises.
Work must be submitted when due. There is a “grace period” of two days but there is a
penalty. Students need to commit five or more hours of study per week in order to complete
homework and learn the required material.

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Classroom Management:
1. Each student is required to bring his/her own textbook to class. If you purchase an E-book,
please let me know at the beginning of the semester so that you can use your computer or
tablet in class.
2. Excessive talking or other distracting behavior will not be tolerated. Students are NOT
allowed to use cell phones or other electronic devices in class. If you are expecting an
important call, turn your phone to vibrate, excuse yourself, and go outside to take your call. If a
student is caught texting or emailing in class, he/she will be marked absent for that day.
4. Students are expected to remain in the classroom throughout class. Restrooms should be
visited between classes not during them.
Course Requirements, Assignments and Grading:
The final grade is determined as follows:
Class participation/Attendance 15%
Homework (5 units) 25%
Tests (5) 25%
Mandatory assignment, including the PowerPoint Presentation 20%
Final Exam (Comprehensive) 15%
Total 100%
Format for Assignments:
1. The Mandatory Assignment is due on Nov 25. . Topic and criteria will be announced in class
and posted on Blackboard. Papers have to be typed, and the students are responsible for
spelling and accents. Typed papers are to be double-spaced with a one-inch margin all around.
Papers not submitted on the due date will lose 1/2 POINT (out of 10) for EVERY LATE DAY.
HARD COPY ONLY.
2. The PowerPoint Presentation is due on Dec. 6. 9 and 11. It will be in French and include a
minimum of 5 slides. Only pictures, names, dates and phrases, NOT complete sentences, are on
the slides. Your project may be supported by various audio-visual materials. Criteria will be
announced in class and posted on Blackboard. Presentations not done on the due date will
lose 1/2 PERCENT (out of 10) for EVERY LATE DAY.
Grade Scale:

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0 – 59 = F 60 – 66 = D 67 – 69 = D+ 70 – 72 = C-
73 – 76 = C 77 – 79 = C+ 80 – 82 = B- 83 – 86 = B
87 – 89 = B+ 90 – 92 = A- 93 – 100 = A (Not doing an assignment = 0)
COURSE CALENDAR: (dates, topics and assignments for each class meeting):
Week 1 Aug 26, 28, 30 Introduction / Syllabus
Un. 1
Week 2 Sept 2, 4, 6 No Class / Un. 1
Week 3 Sept 9, 11, 13 Un 1/2
Week 4 Sept 16, 18, 20 Test 1(Les. 1A & 1B) / Un. 2
Week 5 Sept 23, 25, 27 Un. 2
Week 6 Sept 30, Oct 2, 4 Un. 2/3
Week 7 Oct 7, 9, 11 Test 2(Les. 2A & 2B) / Un. 3
Week 8 Oct 14, 16, 18 No Class / Un. 3/4
Week 9 Oct 15, 17, 19 Un. 4
Week 10 Oct 28, 30, Nov 1 Test 3(Les. 3A & 3B) / Un. 4
Week 11 Nov 4, 6, 8 Un. 4
Week 12 Nov 11, 13, 15 Un. 4/5
Week 13 Nov 18, 20, 22 Test 4(Les. 4A & 4B) / Un. 5
Week 14 Nov 25, 27, 29 Assignment Due / Un. 5 / No Class
Week 15 Dec 2, 4, 6 Un. 5 / Test 5(Les. 5A) / Oral Presentations
Week 16 Dec 9, 11, 13 Oral Presentations / Review
Exam Week Dec 15, 17, 19 Final Exam (Comprehensive)

This syllabus is offered as a guide; however, it is subject to change throughout the semester,
as  necessary.

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