Fall 2012 FREN 3050 ADVANCED READINGS IN FRENCH

FREN 3050 (Sirvent), p. 1/7
Fall 2012
FREN 3050
ADVANCED READINGS IN FRENCH LITERATURE
Tuesday/Thursday: 8:00-9:20 am - Language Building 314
Dr. Michel SIRVENT
LB 405-J
(940) 565-2598
[email protected]
http://www.forl.unt.edu/~sirvent/
Office hours: Tuesday or/and Thursday 11:00-12:00, Tuesday 4:30-5:00, and by
appointment
COURSE PREREQUISITE: FREN 2050 or equivalent
COURSE MATERIALS
• Required textbook: Autour de la littérature, P. SCHOFER/ D. RICE, sixième édition,
Cengage Learning, 2012. ISBN-10: 1111354189 ISBN-13: 9781111354183
Web site : www.thomsonedu.com/french/schofer
• Blackboard: https://ecampus.unt.edu
COURSE GOALS/CONTENT
• The course will be conducted in French.
• This is an introductory course to French Literature from various genres and centuries.
Students will learn how to read and discuss selected, short literary texts in French—mostly
poems and short stories. Meanwhile, students will develop the four language skills in
French through intensive practice in listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
• Vocabulary acquisition is also an important component of the class.
• Reading activities lead to specific writing exercises: short essays or creative exercises
directly related to texts studied in class. Correcting and re-writing essays—2 drafts
minimum—will be central to improve your proficiency in French.
• Blackboard (WebCT) will be used primarily for supplemental instruction. Blackboard will
replace a few regular class sessions this semester (see schedule of class below for dates)

Course materials will be posted on Blackboard; check regularly, at least twice a week.
EVALUATION (see schedule for dates and topics and guidelines below)
10%
20%
10%
10%
20%
20%
10%
Attendance
Homework/ class participation
One oral presentation
Poem memorization
Three essays
Midterm exam
Final Portfolio
GRADE DISTRIBUTION
100-90 = A 89-80 = B
79-70 = C
69-60 = D
Below 60 = F
FREN 3050 (Sirvent), p. 2/7
COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND GUIDELINES
Since 30% of your course grade is based on attendance and participation, any absence will
significantly affect your final grade.
ATTENDANCE POLICY
Attendance is mandatory and active class participation is essential to succeed in this class.
 Classes start at 8:00 AM sharp. Don't be tardy as :
- it is very disruptive to the class to come late;
- you will miss important instructions regarding class organization and updates.
 Missed
work or classes may be excused with a documented, university-sanctioned
proof of emergency only. If absence is excused, your may turn in homework at the next
class meeting to avoid an F.
Unless excused as stated above, late work will not be accepted.

If you have to miss class, do not call the main office, contact your professor.
PREPARATION AND PARTICIPATION
Active participation in every session, extensive preparation (oral or written questions) and
dynamic group discussions are expected in this class.
1. READING PREPARATION/VOCABULARY
Be prepared to discuss the homework in class and study “vocabulaire utile” in grey boxes
in textbook before class.
If the vocabulary is not clarified in your textbook, use a dictionary: I recommend the
Harper Collins Robert French/English, English/French, Standard Edition.
Suggestion for an all-French dictionary: Le Nouveau Petit Robert (it includes synonyms
and antonyms).
2. ORAL QUESTIONS (QUESTIONS ORALES)
The purpose is to be prepared and ready to answer orally in class. These questions are
mostly from Pré-lecture (= "before reading the text"). Check, learn and use as much as
possible the suggested vocabulary to formulate your answers.
3. WRITTEN QUESTIONS (QUESTIONS ÉCRITES)
These questions are from Lecture, i.e., following the reading of the text. They must be
fully written in the best way you can before class.
Most of the time we have a general, collective correction in class. Corrections are always
preceded by warm up discussions in small groups. During these short group discussions,
you are asked to compare, re-write and try to improve your written answers prepared
before class. Then:
• You may be asked to write them on the class blackboard.
• You may have quizzes on them.
• You may be asked to turn them in at the end of class when class time is not sufficient.
For that reason, please note:
 Write all homework in a notebook, not the textbook, since it may be collected.
Carefully write down corrections since this work will be part of the midterm exam and/or
final portfolio.
FREN 3050 (Sirvent), p. 3/7
POEM MEMORIZATION (RÉCITATION)
Two short poems will be memorized and recited in class (or in my office just after class if
you prefer). Use the textbook CD for practice and pronunciation.
ORAL PRESENTATION (EXPOSÉS)
It will be 5 minutes by student, followed by class questions that will be used to transform
the oral presentation into Essay 2.
Topic : Présenter en classe une publicité sur le thème "L'homme et/ou la femme".

Note: Your presentation grade also includes your participation regarding other
students' presentations as I want everyone to be actively involved to help everyone REwrite his/her essay based on questions asked in class.
ESSAYS
Essays must be typed (double space, font 12 in Times font). They must be handed at the
beginning of class on the due date.
Rewriting improves students' writing skills; so each essay will have at least two versions,
more if necessary. Label the essays “Essai 1, version 1”, “Essai 1, version 2” etc.

When turning in draft 2, staple draft 1 (which includes my corrections and
suggestions for improving draft 1).

The first version is never graded. I only use the following indicators for version 1 :
+ (above average)
I (average)
– (below average).
Your grade will reflect work accomplished both on draft 1 and draft 2.
ESSAY 1: This essay is a rewriting exercise based on Prevert's short poem "Le Message".
Some grammar review will be needed to complete this essay.
ESSAY 2: This essay is a creative writing exercise. It is based on Hugo's poem "Demain,
dès l'aube". The original poem will be transformed by replacing each word or expression
by antonyms.
ESSAY 3: This essay will develop the same topic as the one chosen for your oral
presentation (exposé). However, it must not be a duplicate or simple script of your oral
presentation. It must be significantly amended, developed and rewritten based on class
discussion and my written comments on draft 1. Specific guidelines for rewriting will be
posted on blackboard.
MIDTERM EXAM
It will include:
PART 1: Vocabulary from handouts on Poetry
PART 2: Grammar exercise for essay 1
PART 3: A selection of written questions from Lecture on "Chanson d'automne", "Demain,
dès l'aube", "Le dormeur du val".
FINAL PORTFOLIO
It will include:
PART 1: Vocabulary: A scanned copy of the 2 vocabulary exercises (la poésie; le récit), along
with their complete handwritten correction.
PART 2: All corrected written answers from QUESTIONS ÉCRITE (see schedule of class).
FREN 3050 (Sirvent), p. 4/7
PART 3: A scanned copy of your 3 essays and drafts (version 2, etc.) plus a complete
correction of the last graded version.
It will be sent via blackboard by Final Exam day and time.
BLACKBOARD ASSIGNMENTS (see schedule below for dates and content)
Always check your blackboard email for specific guidelines regarding
documents and assignments posted online.
blackboard
 Assignments must be sent via blackboard (not via my unt email) as attachments.
All assigments must include class number and YOUR name in the document title. For
example: FREN 3050-YOURNAME.doc. Your name must also be included on first page and
in header within the document.

At the following class meeting, everyone must turn in a hard copy of the same
assignment for teacher’s correction and grading.
• Consult Blackboard at http://www.unt.edu/distanceed.htm/ for course-related material.
UNT Helpdesk information : https://ecampussupport.unt.edu/index.cfm?M=Student_Resources
Students can contact the help desk via email : [email protected], phone : 940 565 2324, or in person:
ISB Rm 119. See your instructor or French tutor when available to assist you in your work.
*
OTHER RULES, GUIDELINES & NOTES
• The course policies and syllabus are subject to change at the instructor’s
discretion.
• If there is a problem (corrections, grammar, absences, etc.), contact me as soon as
possible.

DO NOT wait until the end of the semester to do so.
• Although your initial level in French may be excellent, what matters is the progress you
make in this class.
 The Student Evaluation of Teaching Effectiveness (SETE) is a requirement for all
organized classes at UNT. This short survey will be made available to you at the end of the
semester, providing you a chance to comment on how this class is taught. I am very
interested in the feedback I get from students, as I work to continually improve my
teaching.
I consider the SETE to be an important part of your participation in this class.
• STATEMENT REGARDING ACADEMIC HONESTY:
The Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures fully supports and enforces all university
policies regarding academic misconduct (cheating, plagiarism, fabrication, etc.) and personal
misconduct (disruptive behavior, incivility, etc.) as outlined in the “Code of Student Conduct and
Discipline” available online at www.unt.edu/csrr. Please be certain that all of the work that you
present for a grade in FREN 3050 is your own and pay special attention to the use of the Internet as
a source of material.
If you have any questions about what constitutes academic or personal misconduct in the context of
this class, please ask your instructor.
About Plagiarism policy: http://www.unt.edu/csrr/development/dishonesty.html
FREN 3050 (Sirvent), p. 5/7
• Student Behavior in the Classroom:
Student behavior that interferes with an instructor’s ability to conduct a class or other students' opportunity to
learn is unacceptable and disruptive and will not be tolerated in any instructional forum at UNT. Students
engaging in unacceptable behavior will be directed to leave the classroom and the instructor may refer the
student to the Center for Student Rights and Responsibilities to consider whether the student's conduct
violated the Code of Student Conduct. The university's expectations for student conduct apply to all
instructional forums, including university and electronic classroom, labs, discussion groups, field trips, etc. The
Code
of
Student
Conduct
can
be
found
at
www.unt.edu/csrr
• Disability Accommodation:
The University of North Texas is on record as being committed to both the spirit and letter of federal equal
opportunity legislation; reference Public Law 92-112 – The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended. With the
passage of new federal legislation entitled Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), pursuant to section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act, there is renewed focus on providing this population with the same opportunities enjoyed by
all citizens.
Please present your written accommodation request to your instructor as soon as possible at the beginning of
the semester to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation.
FREN 3050 (Sirvent), p. 6/7
PROGRAMME (Schedule)
I. INTRODUCTION À LA POÉSIE
Semaine 1
30 août
Introduction au cours
Semaine 2
4 sept.
QUESTIONS ÉCRITES:
QUESTIONS ORALES:
"Le Bonbon", C. 1.a.b.c.d., D.1, p. 4-5.
"Le Message", Pré-lecture A, B, p. 14-15
6 sept.
QUESTIONS ÉCRITES:
"Le Message", C, D, E, F, G, H, p. 16-19
Semaine 3
11 sept.
ESSAI 1 version 1:
QUESTIONS ORALES:
"Le Message", Post-lecture K, p. 19
"Chanson d'automne", Pré-lecture A, B, p. 86-7
13 sept.
QUESTIONS ÉCRITES:
"Chanson d'automne", C, D, E, F, G, p. 88-9
Semaine 4
18 sept.
Blackboard class:
Vocabulaire pour l'analyse des textes poétiques
20 sept.
Semaine 5
25 sept.
27 sept.
Semaine 6
2 oct.
4 oct.
ESSAI 1 version 2
RÉCITATION 1 (MEMORIZE THE POEM): "Chanson d'automne", p. 88
QUESTIONS ORALES:
"Demain, dès l'aube", Pré-lecture A, C, p. 73-4
QUESTIONS ÉCRITES:
"Demain, dès l'aube", D, E, F p. 75-6
RÉCITATION 2:
QUESTIONS ORALES:
"Demain, dès l'aube", p. 75
"Le Dormeur du val", Pré-lecture A, B, p. 181-2
Blackboard class: QUESTIONS ÉCRITES: "Le Dormeur du val", C, D, E,
p. 183-4
Blackboard class: Exercices de style de Raymond Queneau
(textes sur Blackboard)
II. JEUX POÉTIQUES (CREATIVE WRITING EXERCISES)
Semaine 7
9 oct.
Introduction à l'essai 2 : Réécriture antonymique de "Demain, dès l'aube"
sur le mode antonymique
11 oct.
ESSAI 2 version 1
Semaine 8
16 oct.
QUESTIONS ORALES: "Le Pont Mirabeau", Pré-lecture A, B, p. 97-8
Powerpoint: "Le Pont Mirabeau"/révisions
18 oct.
MIDTERM
FREN 3050 (Sirvent), p. 7/7
III. ÉTUDE DE PUBLICITÉS (ADS, COMMERCIALS)
Semaine 9
23 oct.
QUESTIONS ORALES:
25 oct.
ESSAI 2 version 2
QUESTIONS ÉCRITES:
"Bien manger", Pré-lecture A, B, C, p. 103-4
"Bien manger", Pub Sojade, E 1-4, p. 105-6
Semaine 10
30 oct.
Blackboard class: QUESTIONS ÉCRITES: L'homme et la femme”,
Pré-lecture A, B,C, D, E p. 173-6
1 nov.
QUESTIONS ÉCRITES: "Dior Homme", F, G, H, p. 177-8
Semaine 11
6 nov.
QUESTIONS ÉCRITES:
8 nov.
Publicité "Je suis une", I, J, K, L, p. 179-80
EXPOSÉS (ORAL PRESENTATION)
Semaine 12
13 nov.
EXPOSÉS
IV. NOUVELLES ET CONTES (SHORT STORIES and TALES)
15 nov.
QUESTIONS ORALES: “Mélusine”: Pré-lecture A, C, D, p. 30-2
ESSAI 3, version 1
Semaine 13
20 nov.
Blackboard class: Exercice de vocabulaire (textes en prose)
Thanksgiving
Semaine 14
27 nov.
QUESTIONS ÉCRITES: "Melusine", E, F, G, p. 32-5
29 nov.
QUESTIONS ORALES: "Le Laustic" de Marie de France, Pré-lecture B, C, p. 80-1
Semaine 15 Pre-finals week
4 déc.
QUESTIONS ORALES: "Le Laustic", D, E, p. 82-5
ESSAI 3, version 2
6 déc.
Tutoring for preparing Portfolio
13 déc. 8:00-10:00 AM: deadline for sending final portfolio via blackboard