French 4 Language, Literature and Culture

Course Catalog ID:

3506

Subject Categories:

Global Language

Description

This course is a study of Francophone Literature for the student who has mastered French grammar. For students who are considering taking AP French Language and Culture, this course also provides language and culture study that significantly enhances AP preparation. Students study a variety of works of French literature in their entirety, to improve language fluency and expand cultural familiarity. Students also follow French media and discuss current events. During the first semester the class will read and analyze Le Petit Prince by Antoine de St. Exupéry and Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme by Molière. During the second semester the class will explore other time periods and French-speaking countries with Un Papillon dans la Cité by Gisèle Pineau, Oscar et la Dame Rose by Eric-Emmanuel Schmitt and Une Si Longue Lettre by Mariama Bâ. This class will be conducted entirely in French.

Prerequisites

Grade Levels*:

11, 12

* Enrollment restricted based on Date of Birth and Grad Year (whichever is more limiting). Enrollment outside these levels requires written concurrence from TPS Support.

Readiness

• Successful completion (75% or higher) of TPS French 3 Language and Culture

━ OR ━

• Successful completion of Readiness Test

Notes and Conditions

AP French Exam: Students who want to prepare for the AP French exam should take TPS AP French Language and Culture instead of or after this course.

“At first, French 4 intimidated me. I doubted both my ability to analyze literature as well as to understand a true French book. Now I can look back and see how I have grown in my ability to read and understand French literature. This class covers four famous works plus grammar, culture, current events and more. I believe every student will emerge having a greater understanding of French culture and the French language, in addition to a greater appreciation for French literature.”

Alexander T

Student

“This course really solidified everything that I learned in my previous years of French. Even though I learned so much in previous years, I felt that this year all my vocabulary was finally put to use through our readings and conversations in class. The readings were extremely fun, and I loved the different books we read. They all showed me different writing styles, which really expanded my vocabulary and knowledge!”

Elizabeth T

Student

“The French program at The Potter’s School has been excellent. My daughter’s confidence in tackling a second language is growing as she becomes more fluent in speaking French. She hopes to travel to France on the TPS mission trip one day.”

Jennifer Z

Parent

“When I first started French through TPS, I thought French class would just be a way to fulfill my foreign language credit. However, I have come to realize that French is actually one of my passions that I plan to pursue in college! While the format of the homework assignments allow for hands-on learning, the cultural projects helped me understand more about France than just the language (and also gave my family an opportunity to enjoy some of the foods I prepared 🙂 ). The teacher is absolutely wonderful. She brings such life and spirit to every class, and her sense of humor and approach to teaching have made this class one of my favorites during my time with the Potter’s School. Merci beaucoup, Mme, pour cette année marveilleuse ! Vous me manquerez ! Je suis extrêmement reconnaissant à vous pour ces années de la joie!”

Halle T

Student

“The Potter’s School French courses are not only excellent at teaching the students the French language, but also cultivating a broader understanding of France’s culture and traditions. Through highly interactive classes, I have learned to debate, discuss and engage with classmates in French.”

Leanne Z

Student

“I can’t recommend this course enough – and all the TPS French classes. I learned so much each year as far as vocabulary, pronunciation, French culture, and translating oral and written language. The classes got me so much into the habit of hearing and speaking French that sometimes after class, it felt odd speaking English! After taking TPS French 1 and 2, I enrolled in French 3 at my local community college for the second semester. I was afraid it would be much more challenging than TPS, but I was amazed to discover that all the grammar we were studying, I had already learned back in French 2! More than that, I had learned it all in a way that was so much easier to understand! Lucky for me, I was able to come back to TPS French as a senior this year and continue my studies in French 4/5. Merci beaucoup, TPS!”

Emily P

Student