MWF 9:00 - 9:50, Dunlap Hall 315
MWF 9:00 - 9:50, Dunlap Hall 315
Instructor: Dr. D. Brian Mann
Coordinates:
Required Materials:
Homework earns a "check" (for completing the assignment as required), a "check minus" (for sub-standard work), and a "check plus" (for a decidedly superior effort that indicates to me you were really serious about learning from the assignment). A check is worth one homework assignment, a check minus counts for 50% credit, and a check plus qualifies for 1.1 homework assignments, or 110 percent of the assignment's regular value. The accumulated extra points you earn here can compensate for missed quizzes or homework, a low test score, or just raising your overall average. Don't overlook this opportunity for success, and give your 110%!! Incomplete or misinterpreted assignments will be returned as incomplete (I), and can be resubmitted the following class period only for 50% credit ("check minus").Homework assignments and announcements for some quizzes are available on the web from the "Devoirs" link on my home page. If you must miss class, you can get the assignments from there once I post them, but understand that for credit you must get your work to me BEFORE the class you miss class is held. In addition, since you are missing that class, you cannot get a "check plus."
NOTE: "The final exam is a scheduled part of the class. When a student registers for a class, he or she is registering for the scheduled final examination as well. Therefore, it is the student's responsibility to be available to take the examination at the times scheduled" (Schedule p. 5). If you think you will have difficulty doing so, you may petition for an exception, but none will be made for such things as advance plane reservations, vacation plans, etc. You must see me to do this no later than April 1.Discipline/Academic dishonesty: The language learning environment is a delicate one, and I work hard to initiate and maintain it. Therefore, disruptive behavior of any kind will not be tolerated. Students are also expected to follow the Academic Integrity Policy of North Georgia College and State University, found on pages 66-69 of the Bulletin, and to adhere to the integrity code: "On my honor I will not lie, cheat, steal, plagiarize, evade the truth or tolerate those who do" (p. 67). Violations will be referred to the Academic Integrity Council.
Attendance policy: In French 1002, I expect you to uphold the standards of the institution to whose curriculum this class belongs: "The university expects all students to attend all regularly scheduled classes for instruction and examination" (Bulletin p. 59). Although I understand that circumstances beyond your control or your own personal priorities might lead you to miss class, this university insists that you take responsibility for the decisions you make regarding attendance: "The student is responsible for all material presented in class and for all announcements and assignments" (p. 59).
Because of the cumulative nature of language learning, missing class will put your grade at risk almost immediately. Daily assignments can always be obtained from the instructor or a classmate, but there is no make-up for missed quizzes, dictées, homework, lab work, or the daily practice necessary for the development of proficiency in the target language. In addition, there is no make-up if you miss a scheduled exam without informing me in advance of your situation and gaining my approval. Rather, the score on the subsequent scheduled exam will count twice.
If your absences become numerous, the University gives me the authority to make unpleasant decisions about your enrollment that can affect your academic standing: "If the total number of a student's absences exceeds 14% of the scheduled classes (in our case 6), it shall become the prerogative of the instructor to drop the student from the class roll with a W or WF, or to continue the student in class" (p. 60). I want you to have every opportunity to succeed, but I expect you to be adult enough to speak with me privately about any personal situation that causes or might cause you to miss more than six classes. If you don't, I will assume that you are acting irresponsibly and then make unilateral decisions about you standing in the class. By the way, two tardies count as one absence, as do two early departures. And remember: it is your responsibility to be informed of the deadlines concerning your student status or any changes in your registration.
The Language Lab: Because listening and responding to the speech patterns of native speakers is so important, you are required to work with the cassette program for Voilà and the other French-related materials available to you in the language lab for a minimum of 50 minutes per week, not per lesson. You must complete the tape and accompanying lab exercises for each lesson while we are on it, and as in the case of regular homework, no credit is given for lab tapes or exercises turned in after the due date.
It is your responsibility to go to the lab, make sure your attendance is documented, and verify that your tapes have the proper lessons recorded on them. It is also your responsibility to make sure that your responses to the exercises are properly recorded on the tapes or made available to me for review. You also have your CD ROM's, and I may also ask you to use the Internet, watch French films, and/or read an article on French culture, politics, history, etc.. Dr. Chesnut has a series of exercises on the web, and you can find the link under "Student Resources" on my website. There is also a website for our textbook at the University of Texas that offers activities for practice and enhancement of your skills. Go to this URL for such extra practice: http://voila.heinle.com/title.htm.
The lab has just been re-outfitted, and there will be a learning curve for you and for me as we all learn how to use the new equipment. I will try to be reasonable about this, but I still expect you to fulfill this requirement within the parameters of the lab's availability. I will not entertain complaints about or make deadline changes due to computer system problems.
Class participation: For the most part, you are expected to prepare the basic grammar and vocabulary lessons at home. By doing so, you will make it possible for us to spend a larger portion of class time speaking and practicing French. I expect you to keep abreast of the upcoming material in the textbook and to do exercises in the Cahier, then to come to class with any questions you might have. We will use as much of class time as we can in active use of the grammar and vocabulary, and discussing the culture. On some of the more difficult grammar items, I will make introductory explanations in class before asking you to study the material at home, but your advance preparation will make understanding these concepts much easier. If you do not prepare in advance, it is unlikely that you will be able to keep up with the pace. Any time you are having trouble, of course, you should see me and/or the tutor in the lab as soon as possible.
Click here for a copy of the Questionnaire/Office Hour Request/Concurrence Voucher. Sign it, date it, and turn it in to me as soon as possible, as I cannot process any grades for you until you do.
Click here for a copy of the course schedule. It is subject to change, and does not reflect daily assignments. Consult "Devoirs" from my home page for these.