Welcome to French 101

1. Bienvenue en
Français 101

2. This course will:
• Cover Units 1-6A of your book Espaces
• Consist of reading, writing, listening comprehension, and speaking
the French language at the basic level
• Provide information about the French and francophone cultures.
• Meet 2 days a week, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:00-2:20pm
with a 10 minute break, usually at 1:00pm.

3. Why are you learning French?
• This course is more than just a course. It will provide you with new
opportunities. You can learn an entirely new culture and this can help
you make new friends, learn new ways of interaction, and also it can
help you with your studies and your career.
• French is part of American history and it is all around you. On TV, in
the supermarket, in restaurants, and in your other classes, so learn
find what is French around you and think of why it is there.

4. Do you need to study a lot for this class?
• YES!
• You will be expected to spend 8 hours a week outside of class on
homework for this class. So yes, you do need to study a lot for this
class.

5. Where is the devoirs (homework)?
• It is online, on the Espaces supersite. The website address is
vhlcentral.com.
• Your next homework is already due on 1/21 (tomorrow) at
11:59pm.
• At 1:00pm today, we will go to the lab so that you can set up your
account.
• NO late homework will be accepted. If you cannot do the
homework on time for one of the units, I will drop one of your until
homework grades so you should still be all right.
• It is also highly recommended that you get a French-English
dictionary.
• Two good websites online: Reverso.net and Wordreference.com

6. What about your examens?
• On the last page of your syllabus, you can find a
copy of your course calendar and course syllabus.
• You will have a total of 5 unit tests that will
consist of a written component and a speaking
component. When we finish a unit, you will have
a test on that unit. It is about every 2 weeks or so.
• You will also have at least 3 Writing Assignments
due. The due dates are on the syllabus.
• You will also have a final exam on 5/21 that will
be cumulative.

7. How will you be graded?
Participation
10%
Presentations
and projects
5%
Homework
10%
Writing
Assignment
15%
Unit tests
25%
Final Exam
35%
In class part./contributions 10%
Presentation and Projects 5%
Homework (Online or other, quizzes) 10%
Writing Assignments (at least 3) 15%
Unit tests 25%
Final exam 35%
90-100% = A
80-89% = B
70-79.9% = C
60-69% = D
59% or less = F
Credit = 73%

8. In-class contributions or participation:
• The key word is: RESPECT
• The “A” Student:
- Respects the class by showing up on time and bringing his/her own notebook, book, and pen or pencil.
- Respects his/her classmates by participating with everyone and being friendly with all students.
- Shows respect to the instructor and this class by actually using French in class and not answering in English.
- Shows others how to show respect by being active in group activities.
- Shows respect by not answering the phone, texting, or doing homework for other classes or for this class on
his/her laptop.
- Shows respect by making an effort to ask questions in French.
- Shows respect to those who actually study by coming to class prepared and having read the course materials.
- Each week, you will receive 10 points for participation. If you are a good student, then you will receive a 10,
but if you do not follow these guidelines, then your grade will go down.

9. Please take this class because you want to
and not because you have to.
• - In my class, two words are very important:
• 1. RESPECT
• 2. PASSION: This is not just a class, this is something you are learning
that can benefit you in the future. Take the time to actually do your
homework and learn French. Go beyond the classroom and find
French speaking persons online or in restaurants or other places.
Watch French movies and listen to French music. Read French
websites to find information. The more you do, the more informed
you will become. Consider this a job and come to it with passion.

10. What happens if you are late or absent?
• If you are late, it will obviously affect your participation
grade. If you are absent, you cannot get a participation
grade for the day of your absence so you will receive an
F in participation on that day.
• If you are absent a total of 4 time, or 3 times in a row,
you will be dropped from the class.
• I will send you a warning by email before I drop you.
• The same rule applies to tardiness. If you are more than
10 minutes late, or if you leave class 10 minutes early or
more, this will count as half an absence. If you are late
6 times in a row or a total of 8 times, then I will drop
you from the class.

11. What you can expect of me:
• I am always here to help you or answer your questions.
• I am open to ideas or your contributions to this class.
• I want this class to be enjoyable for you so if you are passionate about
something and we can relate it to this class, let me know.
• I am into very traditional and old music, movies, books, etc. but I am
open and understand that you may like other things. I would love it if
you could share what you like so that I can make this class more
about you and less about me.

12. Le laboratoire de
langue:
There is a French
conversation
Coach there who will help
you
With your homework and
Work with you in French.

13. Extra Credit
• I will assign extra credit activities throughout the term and they will
either be for your participation grade or for your total course grade.
• If you meet and study with other students in the class, you will
receive 5 points each time you meet and these 5 points can go
toward your participation grade or your homework grade, whichever
one is lower. If you do meet, then you will have to complete a set of
activities and bring me the result of those activities.
• I will assign other extra credit activities as well in the future and those
will count towards your midterm grades or your overall course grade.

14. Where can you find your grades:
• You can find your grades on Blackboard. Click on “My Grades” and
you will see the grades as soon as I post them. If you have any
questions about your grades, please come and see me any time.

15. Students with disabilities:
•If you have a disability, you can be entitled to
appropriate academic accomodations. Please
come and see me if you have been given a letter
by the Disabled Students Program & Services
Office (DSPS) please email or show me the letter
so that I am aware.

16. Other students’ contact info:
• Please turn around and ask 3 students to provide you with their
contact information.
• This means that if a student misses class, they have the responsibility
to follow up with another student and ask what they missed. If the
student misses a class and asks you for information about what was
covered in class, please be respectful and take the time to help them
out.
• Ask for the student’s name, email and phone.

17. Signez le contrat:
•Please sign the small piece of paper to show that
you have understood what is expected of you in
this class and how you will be graded.

18. Mes coordonnées:
Email: szahedi@miracosta.edu
Phone: 760-612-9108
Text: 760-612-9108
Skype: Shahrzad.Zahedi@live.com