French

CAS LF 111, 112, 211, 212
CAS LF 121, 122, 221, 222

For the first 4 semesters of language learning, the French Department offers 2 equivalent sequences of courses that differ in their approach but equally fulfill the CAS language requirement: LF 111, 112, 211, 212 (the Four-Skills Sequence) and LF 121, 122, 221, 222 (the Reading Sequence).

Courses in the Four-Skills Sequence are conducted in French and emphasize oral communication and develop listening, reading, speaking and writing skills. Students wishing to study in a French-speaking country or those who would like to pursue their study of French beyond LF212 should choose the Four-Skills Sequence.

Courses in the Reading Sequence are conducted in English and focus exclusively on learning to read in French. They were designed specifically for students who are particularly motivated to learn to read French and those students for whom the pressure of oral performance is an obstacle to successful language learning.

Both sequences contain civilization and culture components and neither is easier nor more difficult. Owing to the intrinsic differences between the two sequences however, students who wish to transfer from one sequence to the other may do so only with permission from the instructor.

CAS LF 111
1st-Semester French

LF111 is the first in a series of French language courses (LF111, 112, 211 and 212) that fulfill the CAS foreign language requirement at Boston University. It is designed for students with no prior French experience and those who have studied French before and have placed into this level (see below). This course is a first step towards proficiency in all four language skills in French: speaking, understanding, reading and writing. LF111 closely follows the video-based Reflets text and workbook, supported and supplemented by the LF111 website, which provide the authentic and challenging context within which students work to acquire the vocabulary and grammar necessary to perform a variety of basic but essential communicative tasks in French. French is the primary language of instruction in the classroom.

Prereq: Placement test results
Class meets 4 hrs/week; 4 credits
University class schedule

Course Coordinator
S. Dorff

CAS LF 121
French Readings 1

LF121 is the first in a series of French language courses (LF121, 122, 221 and 222) that fulfill the CAS foreign language requirement at Boston University. It is designed for students with no prior French experience and those who have studied French before and have placed into this level (see below). LF121 closely follows the grammar lessons and readings provided by the main text Reading French in the Arts and Sciences and students focus on acquiring the grammar and vocabulary necessary to read and translate texts from a variety of authentic sources as well. A traditional grammar - translation method is used. Although much of the emphasis in the course is on reading and understanding French in its written form, students also study the language, literature and culture through film and music clips. English is the primary language of instruction.

Prereq: Placement test results
Class meets 4 hrs/week; 4 credits
Not offered Fall 2009

Course Coordinator
P. Hennessey

CAS LF 112
2nd-Semester French

LF112 is designed for students with some prior French experience (see below). LF112 follows LF111. Students work towards proficiency in all four language skills in French: speaking, understanding, reading and writing. LF112 closely follows the video-based Reflets text and workbook, supported and supplemented by the LF112 website. Students acquire the vocabulary and grammar necessary to perform a variety of more complex communicative tasks in French. French is the primary language of instruction in the classroom.

Prereq: LF111 or Placement test
Class meets 4 hrs/week; 4 credits
University class schedule

Course Coordinator
L. Duséwoir

CAS LF 122
French Readings 2

LF122 is designed for students with some prior French experience. Either LF111 or 121 serve as prerequisites. Students increase both accuracy and fluency in reading by working with a variety of literary texts and articles from the press. A traditional grammar-translation method is used, with the study of 10 verb tenses and other grammatical structures covered in the main text: Reading French in the Arts and Sciences. Although much of the emphasis in the course is on reading and understanding French in its written form, students also study the language, literature and culture through film and music clips. English is the primary language of instruction.

Prereq: LF121 or 111 or
Placement test
Class meets 4 hrs/week; 4 credits

Not offered Fall 2009

Course Coordinator
P. Hennessey

CAS LF 211
3rd-Semester French

Prereq: LF112 or Placement test
Class meets 3 hrs/week; 4 credits
University class schedule

Course Coordinator
L. Hawkes

CAS LF 221
French Readings 3

Reading sequence

In LF221 students develop and improve proficiency in reading and translating French through close readings of literary texts available on the course website. LF 221 begins with an intensive grammar review focusing on the identification and translation of 10 verb tenses as well as the study of idiomatic usage. During the second half of the semester, students read their first (mystery) novel in French. Although much of the emphasis in the course is on reading and understanding French in its written form, students also study the language, literature and culture through film and music clips. English is the primary language of instruction.

Prereq: LF122 or 112 or
Placement test
Class meets 3 hrs/week; 4 credits
University class schedule

Course Coordinator
P. Hennessey

CAS LF 212
4th-Semester French

LF212 continues to refine written and oral skills, through grammar review, reading and compositions. There is weekly discussion of the modern classic novel L’Etranger by Albert Camus, as well as newspaper articles, poems and film. The class is conducted in French and meets for three hours per week. Successful completion of LF 212 fulfills the basic CAS language requirement, and also prepares students for further study (LF 303).

Prereq: LF211 or Placement test
Class meets 3 hrs/week; 4 credits
University class schedule

Course Coordinator
S. Hadley

CAS LF 222
French Readings 4

In LF222, students solidify their foundation in grammar and continue to develop their accuracy and fluency in reading and to refine their translation skills by working with a variety of texts including newspaper articles, a novel and a play. Students work with sophisticated sentence structures and contemporary idiomatic usage and learn to appreciate different writing styles. Although much of the emphasis in the course is on reading and understanding French in its written form, students also study the language, literature and culture through film and music clips. Successful completion of LF 222 fulfills the basic CAS language requirement.

Prereq: LF221 or 211 or
Placement test
Class meets 3 hrs/week; 4 credits
University class schedule

Course Coordinator
P. Hennessey