French Discipline

UNIT MISSION/GOAL(S)

The French discipline is designed to teach skills necessary to communicate with a variety of French-speaking peoples and introduce their rich culture, including their ideas, institutions, and writings, past and present. It invites students to look at the impact these have had on Western civilization and examine all of them critically, comparing and contrasting them with their own ways of thinking to appreciate the different value systems the represent.

Unit Mission/goal(s) and the Institutional Mission Relation

French fulfills the Mission objectives of 'teaching, research, and outreach' by classroom teaching, individual research projects supervised by faculty, and contributions to local cultural life through the speakers bureau, film series, lectures, and additions to local historical archives. French also fosters Òa strong sense of communityÓ through its student French Club and engagement in the interdisciplinary life of the University.

STUDENT LEARNING OBJECTIVES, EXPECTED OUTCOMES, ASSESSMENT METHODS & TOOLS, TIMELINE

Learning Objectives 1

An introduction to the four skills of communication in French: speaking, listening, reading, and writing.

Expected Outcomes 1

Ability to sustain essential communication in French at the beginning level.

Method(s), Measure(s), and Instrument(s) for Expected Outcome 1

Continuous in-class evaluation of students using the four skills to perform authentic communication activities.

Timeline for the Outcome 1

Starting Date for the Implementation: In Progress

Anticipated Date for the First Results: In Progress

Learning Objectives 2

Intermediate French: raising the level of sophistication in communication and broadening the cultural base to include French and francophone cultures.

Expected Outcomes 2

Ability to communicate at a more sophisticated level with ease using authentic French and francophone materials.

Method(s), Measure(s), and Instrument(s) for Expected Outcome 2

Evaluations of students performance in written, spontaneous oral, and prepared exercises, including written journals, analytical papers based on authentic French documents (literary work, films, and television).

Timeline for the Outcome 2

Starting Date for the Implementation: In Progress

Anticipated Date for the First Results: In Progress

Learning Objectives 3

Continuation of Objectives 1 & 2; mastery of literary texts and initiation into critical approaches and sharpening analytical skills.

Expected Outcomes 3

Ability to engage in written and oral discussion, demonstrating critical apporaches to literary and cultural materials.

Method(s), Measure(s), and Instrument(s) for Expected Outcome 3

Evaluation of analytical critical papers and oral presentation; advances in creative writing, literary translation, and dramatic readings.

Timeline for the Outcome 3

Starting Date for the Implementation: In Progress

Anticipated Date for the First Results: In Progress

Learning Objectives 4

Application of objectives 1 through 3 above to original work in the field; post-baccalaureate employment and graduate study.

Expected Outcomes 4

Contribution to the scholarly community in general and in Minnesota in particular through original research and archival work. Preparation for career as French educator or other career which benefits from a knowledge of French.

Method(s), Measure(s), and Instrument(s) for Expected Outcome 4

Original research, directed studies, Honors Project, participation in UROP and MAPS projects. Contribution to public fora and historical achieves. Performance on study-abroad programs and admission to graduate study.

Timeline for the Outcome 4

Starting Date for the Implementation: In Progress

Anticipated Date for the First Results: In Progress