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French at Drake
Studying French at Drake University is rewarding and productive from the very first day of class. Regardless of the level of study, students work with a native speaker of French and no more than five classmates and use French exclusively to communicate things that are truly meaningful, i.e., not the mindless filler materials found in many current textbooks.Through the standard sequence of courses (001, 002, 051, 052, 140, 150, 160), students expand their competencies beyond the initial emphasis on speaking in order to develop skills in listening, writing, and reading. French 150, Studies in Language and Culture, is a course that can be repeated for credit as the topic of the course changes from semester to semester. French 160, Studies in Language and Literature, can also be repeated for credit because the topics change each semester.
In each French course, as in every language course in the program, students produce an individual electronic portfolio that normally consists of recordings students make of their own voices following a provided model, samples of videos students make of themselves, writing samples, clips from examinations, etc. This record allows faculty and the students themselves to track progress both within a given semester and over several semesters. Students can also use the ePortfolios after graduation to demonstrate to potential employers or graduate schools their ability to function in French.
Culture is not, of course, neglected in these courses. The faculty of World Languages and Cultures is well aware that culture is embedded in every language. Gaining intercultural competence is integral to becoming a functionally proficient speaker of another language; each French student works toward understanding and appreciating specific aspects of francophone culture through their comments of the French blog, Perspectives on French Culture and Identity. The blog is written in English with links in French, to help students expand their understanding of the language in context, and to address varying levels of proficiency.
Students beyond the beginning levels are often able to tailor courses to suit their own professional and/or personal goals. The faculty mentor, who designs the courses, gets to know all the students in the program and is able to take into consideration who will be in upcoming courses. The small size and flexibility of individual sections allow the faculty mentor to consider the needs and wishes of those students.
French students are also able to continue their studies of the language while on trips abroad, whether it be for a year, a semester or even a shorter summer trip. Check out the study abroad opportunities for French students.
Faculty Contact Information
Dr. Jan Marston
515-271-2511
jan.marston@drake.edu
Courses Offered
