The concept of French verb tense as related to the passage of time and the completeness of an action or process is discussed. It is proposed that this concept of inchoativeness be applied in second-language instruction as an aid to students in choosing verb tenses. (MSE)

Analyzes the conflicting attitudes that inform classic editions, editions of French classics created for use in school classes. Examines the ways in which they modify Voltaire's original text "Henriade." Considers the institutional framework in which these editions were produced and emphasizes the process of "classicization,"…

An approach to teaching foreign languages that acknowledges the importance of individual readers' responses to literary texts read in the course is discussed. (20 references) (VWL)

Describes lessons designed around two types of French Web sites: matchmaking sites with personal ads and the official site of the Cannes Film Festival. Goals are to motivate students with authentic material in French and to improve their ability to describe people according to various factors: personality, nationality, professions, and appearance.…

Suggestions for incorporating oral proficiency activities into the Business French course are offered within the framework of a five-skills course. (VWL)

The integration of French popular songs in French-language curriculum provides opportunities for students to learn about social, historical, and cultural aspects of French language. (CB)

Discusses a beginning course in French that includes a component designed to prepare students to function in the common cultural situations they are likely to encounter in France. Describes an accompanying exam testing oral proficiency which allows a group of 30 students to be thoroughly tested in three hours. (SED)

Describes an on-going computer-mediated communication (CMC) cross-cultural project between French and American university students. Explores the possibilities and limits of CMC, using the research of Paul Ricaeur and Claire Kramsch, who provide a practical and theoretical framework in which to analyze student-authored writing. (Author/VWL)

In a college-level introductory French literature course, one teacher uses a highly structured curriculum of lecture, class discussion, written assignments, improvisation, and dramatic performance. This approach encourages students to practice all language skills while learning to become independent critical readers and interpret literary works as…

Describes a French language program based on the concept of language for survival. Students took trips to Quebec and were asked to carry out tasks, such as asking for directions and buying items in a store, exclusively in French. (AM)

Describes a course that uses translation of literary French into English to heighten students' awareness of the two languages and of literary composition. (AM)

Describes the components, course objectives, texts and materials, and structure and assignment of The American University's translation course, which hones students' foreign language competence through its focus on the short-term goal of attention to subtleties of meaning in the foreign language and nuance of expression in English. (CB)

An inductive and interactive classroom technique to help advanced French language students reformulate simplified schemata into more useful insights into French grammar is described. It is proposed that, by developing the ability to revise continually structural hypotheses, students can expand syntactic repertories and improve long-term language…

Focuses on the increased teaching of French as a foreign language in colleges and the formation of a French Foreign Language Society. These developments are the result of several factors, including superior methods of teaching French, cooperation with countries previously colonized by France or Belgium, and the threat of economic domination by…