DEPARTMENT OF MODERN LANGUAGES AND CULTURAL STUDIES
www.uab.ca/mlcs
2023-2024 FREN 111: Beginners’ French I
Fall 2023
September 5 – December 8
Section: A3
Place and Time: HC 1-03; 10:00-10:50
Instructor French Language Teaching Coordinator
Name: Julie Girard-Tarif Mathieu Martin-LeBlanc
Office: Arts Building 209-C Arts 242-B
Office Hours: by appointment by appointment
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The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories,
languages, and cultures of the First Nations, Métis, Inuit, and all First Peoples of Canada, whose presence
continues to enrich our vibrant community.
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Bachelor of Arts / Major in Modern Languages and Cultural Studies:
https://www.ualberta.ca/modern-languages-and-cultural-studies/undergraduate-program-information/prospective-undergraduate-students
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
Course Prerequisite: None. This course is not open to students with French 30 (and its equivalent),
immersion experience, or native or near native proficiency in French. Please note that students must
register in the course recommended by the placement test (unless they have received the coordinator’s
permission) or they may not be granted credits for the course.
This course is designed to help students reach the A1 level of the Common European Framework of
Reference for Languages. It is your responsibility as a student to ensure that you have the appropriate
prerequisites for the course.
Course Description, Objectives and Expected Learning Outcomes:
The aim of the course is to enable students to develop elementary proficiency in oral expression,
listening comprehension, reading, writing, and cultural understanding in French on topics related to
daily activities and topics of personal relevance such as university life and family. In class, emphasis
will be placed on the acquisition of oral skills, but attention will also be given to written skills.
Students will acquire basic grammatical and lexical knowledge pertaining to the Francophone world.
At the end of the course, they are expected to have developed the ability to communicate in
predictable and common situations at the sentence level and achieve a good control of the most
frequently used grammatical structures and vocabulary.
Course Format:
The objectives of this course will be learned from a combination of Blended-Learning materials, formal
lectures, assigned readings and audiovisual materials.
Required Text:
• Nouveau Rond-Point 1. Éditions Maison des langues.
(Chapters 1 to 6 will be covered, and the same book is used in FREN 112.)
Note:
- For digital access, student will have to create a free online account at
https://espacevirtuel.emdl.fr/register and then upgrade to a premium account.
- You will have the option to purchase a 4-, 6-, 8-, or 12-month subscription (see additional
information on eClass).
- The premium account will give you access to the e-text and all audio/video component that
accompany the book.
- Both books (student book & workbook) are also sold at the UofA bookstore.
Optional Texts:
• French/English Dictionary or App: Larousse, Collins, or Oxford are all good dictionaries. Avoid
purchasing miniature pocket dictionaries or free online translators; these have limited vocabulary
and are not the best for this course.
• Le Condensé: Nouvelle grammaire en tableaux - Les éditions CEC
• Sans Détour: A complete reference manual for French Grammar – Prentice Hall
Additional Course Fees
☐ Yes √ No
Important Dates: See Academic Schedule in current Calendar
First Day of Class: September 5, 2023
Add/Delete Date: September 18, 2023
50% Withdrawal Date: October 5, 2023
Fall Term Reading Week: November 13-17, 2023
Withdrawal Date: December 1, 2023
Last Day of Class: December 8, 2023
Final Exam Date: December 11, 2023
Deferred Final Examination: Place and time TBA
Deferred examinations cannot be granted by instructors. Students must apply for a deferral to their
Faculty office with adequate documentation substantiating the absence due to incapacitating illness,
severe domestic affliction, and other compelling reasons including religious convictions. See the
University Calendar for details.
For information on how to apply for a deferred exam see “I Missed my Final Exam, Now What?”
and Faculty of Arts application form.
Technology requirements (minimum):
It is your responsibility as a student to ensure that you have the appropriate technology for the course.
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Experiential Learning Component:
☐ this course has a significant experiential learning component (15% or more of the course
grade)
Past or Representative Evaluative Course Material available:
Exam registry – Students’ Union
http://www.su.ualberta.ca/services/infolink/exam/
See explanations below
√ Document distributed in class
√ Other: eClass “Activités dans la communauté et ressources en français”
☐ NA
Components of Course Grade (see ‘Explanatory Notes’):
Participation and attendance 10%
Online quizzes (weekly unit quizzes, end of term quiz) 15%
Cultural events and/or activities (1 per semester) 2%
Tasks (Sept. 22 & 25, 5%; Oct. 16, 18 & 20, 5%; Nov. 22, 24 & 27, 5%) 15%
Unit tests (Sept. 27, 10%; Oct. 30, 10%) 20%
Oral mid-session evaluation (Oct. 25 & 27) 8%
Final oral exam (December 4, 6 & 8) 10%
Final written exam (December 11, 2pm) 20%
Explanatory Notes:
Importance of Self-Study: Self-study is important in any University course but particularly so in a
Blended Learning course. In this course, your progress with the self-study portion is directly
evaluated through quizzes, assignments, participation and any other form of assessment. The in-class
sessions with the instructor are meant to reinforce what is learned through self-study; not substitute it.
Participation and attendance: Attendance and participation will be assessed based on the use
of French during activities, preparedness, and active participation in class. The marking rubrics
for participation will be provided electronically. The instructor expects students to have read
and completed the relevant self-study materials before coming to class.
Cultural events and/or activities: Students are strongly encouraged to enjoy and take advantage of
Edmonton cultural life in French as a way to improve their linguistic & cultural skills in a stimulating
and relaxed atmosphere. A (non-exhaustive) list of different events is available on eClass and also on
the Francopass App. Any activities the student finds outside of the eClass page, must get approval
from the instructor beforehand, otherwise no credit will be given. To complete this assignment,
students are to attend one approved activity and will receive a maximum of 2% toward their final
grade. Note that, students will be asked to provide verification of attendance. This may include and
not limited to an admission ticket, receipt, brochure, signing in, stamp, etc. In addition, to receive the
full 2%, students are required to complete the handout found on eClass and submit it to the instructor.
This may be submitted on or any time before the last day of class. After such date, no credit will be
given.
Assignments and Tasks: These may include but are not limited to online activities, textbook
assignments, workbook assignments, general homework, writing assignments, grammar and
vocabulary practice exercises, forum contributions, group projects and oral presentations. The
marking rubrics, when relevant, will be provided electronically.
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Quizzes and Tests: Those are designed to test learning of class materials (grammar, vocabulary) as
well as general reading and listening comprehension on themes related to class material.
Oral examination: The oral exams may be in the format of video, short conversation, short scenarios
prepared in advance and/or oral presentations related to themes covered in class. They will be done
individually, in pairs or in small groups.
Final written exam: The exam can include a text and reading comprehension, listening
comprehension, essay writing, and a section on grammar.
Exam Schedules for the 2023-2024 Academic year can be found at the following site:
https://www.ualberta.ca/registrar/examinations/exam-schedules/fall-2023-winter-2024-exam-planner.html
Grading:
Assessment of the individual course components may be in the form of numerical marks or letter grades.
The final letter grade will be based on "a combination of absolute achievement and relative performance
in a class" (University Calendar, Evaluation Procedures and Grading System). The University Grading
Procedure mandates that "a student’s level of achievement of the goals/outcomes of a course, their grade,
and the descriptor of that grade must be aligned" (https://policiesonline.ualberta.ca/). The following
guidelines have been adopted by the Department of Modern Languages and Cultural Studies:
“MLCS Undergraduate Grading Scale”
Descriptor Letter Grade %
Grade Point
Value
A+ 4.0 95-100
Excellent. A+, A or A- is earned by work which is superior in A 4.0 90-94
content and form and demonstrates an exceptional grasp of the
subject matter. The grade of A+ designates work that far A- 3.7 86-89
exceeds course expectations. Grades in the A range are
normally achieved by a small number of students.
B+ 3.3 82-85
Good. B+, B or B- is earned by work that demonstrates a B 3.0 75-81
thorough comprehension of the course material and a good
command of relevant skills. Grades in the B range are B- 2.7 70-74
normally achieved by the largest number of students.
C+ 2.3 66-69
Satisfactory. C+, C or C- is earned by work that demonstrates C 2.0 61-65
an adequate grasp of the course material and relevant skills.
Grades in the C range designate work that has met the basic C- 1.7 58-60
requirements of the course.
D+ 1.3 55-57
Poor/Minimal Pass. D+ or D is earned by work that D 1.0 50-54
demonstrates minimal familiarity with the course material.
Grades in the D range generally indicate insufficient
preparation for subsequent courses in the subject matter.
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Failure. F 0.0 0-49
Note : It is our opinion that if a student does not receive a minimum of B- in this course, they should
strongly consider improving their language skills (i.e. : tutoring, conversation groups, exchange programs,
volunteering, J’Explore www.jexplore.ca, etc.) before continuing to the next level of our language
program.
Attendance, Absences, and Missed Grade Components:
Regular attendance is essential for optimal performance in any course. In cases of potentially excusable absences
due to illness or domestic affliction, notify your instructor by e-mail within two days. Regarding absences that
may be excusable and procedures for addressing course components missed as a result, consult sections
Attendance and Examinations of the University Calendar. Be aware that unexcused absences will result in partial
or total loss of the grade for the “attendance and participation” component(s) of a course, as well as for any
assignments that are not handed-in or completed as a result.
Deferral of term work is a privilege and not a right; there is no guarantee that a deferral will be granted.
Misrepresentation of facts to gain a deferral is a serious breach of the Code of Student Behaviour.
In this course: Students are allowed to miss three sessions without penalty regardless of the reason for
their absence (excusable or not), after which two percentage points per absence will be deducted from
the 10% participation and attendance grade. It is recommended not to miss a session unless necessary.
Missed grade components due to absences may be taken at another time if they are due to illness or
domestic affliction. Instructors can no longer request a doctor’s note for absences due to illness, but they
may request other adequate documentation at their discretion such as a form from the student’s Faculty or
a statutory declaration. In other cases, including domestic affliction or religious conviction, adequate
documentation must be provided to substantiate the reason for an absence.
The student must notify their instructor by e-mail within two days following the scheduled date of the
term work missed or as soon as the student is able to arrange for an extension or make-up test /
assignment. Instructors are not required to grant make-up assignments / tests or extensions for
unacceptable reasons that include, but are not limited to, personal events such as vacations, weddings, or
travel arrangements. When the student misses some term work without an acceptable excuse, a final grade
will be computed using a raw score of zero for the term work missed.
Policy for Late Assignments:
Students who consult in advance with an instructor regarding contingencies preventing the timely
completion of an assignment may, at the discretion of the instructor, be granted an extension.
When a test or any other evaluation has been scheduled, any student who misses class on this day and
does not have an excusable reason for the absence will get a zero, even though they might have been
absent the day it was announced as they have the responsibility to enquire about what has been missed.
Required Notes:
Policy about course outlines can be found in the Evaluation Procedures and Grading System of the
University Calendar.
Student Responsibilities
Academic Integrity: The University of Alberta is committed to the highest standards of academic
integrity and honesty. Students are expected to be familiar with these standards regarding academic
honesty and to uphold the policies of the University in this respect. Students are particularly urged to
familiarize themselves with the provisions of the Code of Student Behaviour (on the University
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Governance website) and avoid any behaviour which could potentially result in suspicions of cheating,
plagiarism, misrepresentation of facts, and/or participation in an offence. Academic dishonesty is a
serious offence and can result in suspension or expulsion from the University.
Instructors are required to report suspected violations of the COSB. See the Academic Discipline Process.
All students should consult the Academic Integrity website. If you have any questions, ask your
instructor. Students who want to strengthen their academic skills and learn more on topics such as note-
taking, time management, and academic integrity are encouraged to explore The Academic Success
Centre.
Language and Translation Courses:
Students involved in language courses and translation courses should be aware that the use of on-line
translation to complete assignments constitutes a form of cheating as the student’s own understanding and
work is therefore not reflected. Also, students in language courses should be aware that, while seeking the
advice of native or expert speakers is often helpful, excessive editorial and creative help in assignments is
considered a form of cheating that violates the Code of Student Behaviour.
Statement of Expectations for AI Use:
In this course, our primary focus is to cultivate an equitable, inclusive, and accessible learning community
that emphasizes individual language learning as well as critical and creative thinking skills. While it is
reasonable to assume AI-use might accelerate some aspects of your coursework, the determination has
been made to not use such tools. In order to achieve the identified course learning outcomes, you will be
given learning opportunities and tasks which enable you to develop and demonstrate your skills and
knowledge across different course assignments and assessments.
To ensure a just and consistent learning experience for all students, the use of advanced AI-tools (e.g.,
ChatGPT, Bing, Bard, etc.) is strictly prohibited for all assignments and assessments in this course. Each
student is expected to complete all tasks without substantive assistance from others, including AI-tools.
IMPORTANT: Please note that AI use is strictly prohibited in course work, assignments, and
assessments. Failure to abide by this guideline may be considered an act of cheating and a violation as
outlined in the relevant sections of University of Alberta (November 2022) Code of Student Behaviour.
Recording of Lectures: Audio or video recording, digital or otherwise, of lectures, labs, seminars or any
other teaching environment by students is allowed only with the prior written consent of the instructor or
as a part of an approved accommodation plan. Student or instructor content, digital or otherwise, created
and/or used within the context of the course is to be used solely for personal study, and is not to be used
or distributed for any other purpose without prior written consent from the content author(s).
Learning and Working Environment
The Faculty of Arts is committed to ensuring that all students, faculty and staff are able to work and study
in an environment that is safe and free from discrimination and harassment. It does not tolerate behaviour
that undermines that environment.
If you are experiencing harassment, discrimination, fraud, theft or any other issue and would like to get
confidential advice, please contact any of these campus services:
Office of Safe Disclosure & Human Rights: A safe, neutral and confidential space to disclose concerns
about how the University of Alberta policies, procedures or ethical standards are being applied. They
provide strategic advice and referral on matters such as discrimination, harassment, duty to accommodate
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and wrong-doings. Disclosures can be made in person or online using the Online Reporting Tool.
University of Alberta Protective Services: Peace officers dedicated to ensuring the safety and security of
U of A campuses and community. Staff or students can contact UAPS to make a report if they feel unsafe,
threatened, or targeted on campus or by another member of the university community. For non-
emergency dispatch, call 780-492-5050. For lost and found, call 780-492-2943. In an emergency, call
911.
Sexual Violence Supports: - It is the policy of the University of Alberta that sexual violence committed
by any member of the University community is prohibited and constitutes misconduct.
Student Resources
The University Calendar is one of the principal sources of U of A policy information for students. It
includes admission requirements and deadlines, academic regulations, programs of study, academic
standards, degree requirements, and University policies for both undergraduate and graduate students.
The Student Service Centre provides students with information and access to services to support
academic, financial, mental, and physical well-being.
First Peoples' House provides an environment of empowerment for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit
learners to achieve personal and academic growth.
The Academic Success Centre provides professional academic support to help students maximize their
academic success and achieve their academic goals. They offer appointments, advising, group workshops,
online courses, and specialized programming year-round to students in all university programs, and at all
levels of achievement and study.
Writing Services offers free one-on-one writing support to students, faculty, and staff. Students can
request a consultation for a writing project at any stage of development. Instructors can request class
visits and presentations.
Under the Discrimination, Harassment and Duty to Accommodate policy, the Office of the Dean of
Students coordinates academic accommodations for prospective and current students with documented
disabilities affecting mobility, vision, hearing, learning, and physical or mental health. The provision of
academic accommodations helps to remove structural barriers that these students encounter in academic
environments in order to facilitate equivalent learning opportunities for these students. Academic
Accommodations promotes an accessible, inclusive, and universally-designed environment at the
University of Alberta.
Health and Wellness Support for Students outlines available mental and physical health resources which
are offered on-campus and in the community.
The Office of the Student Ombuds is a confidential service that strives to ensure that university processes
related to students operate as fairly as possible. They offer information, advice, and support to students,
faculty, and staff as they deal with academic, discipline, interpersonal, and financial issues related to
student programs.
Need Help Now webpage offers contact information for a variety of supports if you are in immediate
need of metal health and wellness support. One can also call the 24-hour Distress Line: 780-482-4357
(HELP)
Disclaimer: Any typographical errors in this syllabus are subject to change and will be announced in
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class and posted on eClass. The date of the final examination is set by the Registrar and takes precedence
over the final examination date reported in this syllabus.
Policy about course outlines can be found in Course Requirements, Evaluation Procedures and Grading in
the University Calendar.
Consultation with instructors:
Students are encouraged to consult their instructors regarding any concerns they have about the course
content, the structure of the course, or their personal progress. Please, note that students are responsible
for any notes or material from any class missed.
Language of Instruction and Communication:
The language of instruction in the classroom is French. However, students should be aware that it is
perfectly normal not to understand everything at once and they are not expected to: they should tell their
teacher when they feel lost and they will find another way of explaining. It is expected that most
communication be carried out in the target language. This pertains to daily class time conversation with
fellow students and instructor.
Copyright: Mathieu Martin-LeBlanc, Faculty of Arts, University of Alberta 2023-2024
