Foreign Language Department
French
Department Chair: Karen Scharf
kscharf@cghsnc.org
919.834.1625 ext 396
French Instructor: Madame N.Smith
nsmith@cghsnc.org
919.834.1625 ext 398
Course Descriptions
French I: French I is designed to provide an introduction to the French language and francophone culture. Students
will have the opportunity to attain a beginner’s level of proficiency in the skills of speaking, listening, reading and
writing. These skills will be taught within the context of the cultures of French speaking countries. The influence of
the Catholic/Christian religion on these cultures will be examined.
Text : Allez,viens I. In January, teacher recommendations will be made for French II. According to Foreign Language
Department guidelines, students with a “C” average or better will be recommended to continue.
French II: French II provides continued instruction in the French language and francophone culture to those
students who have successfully completed French I or its equivalent. Students will have the opportunity to attain an
advanced beginners level of proficiency in the skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing. These skills will be
taught within the context of the cultures of French speaking countries. The influence of the Catholic/Christian
religion on these cultures will be examined. Text : Allez,viens II. In January, teacher recommendations will be made
for French III-Honors. According to Foreign Language Department guidelines, only students with a “B” average or
better will be recommended for French III-Honors.
French III-Honors : French III-H is designed to provide a comprehensive review of the first two years of French
grammar, an introduction to advanced grammar, a light survey of the history and culture of France from prehistoric
times to “La belle époque”(1870) with a sampling of literary selections by period. Students will become familiar with
the culture of people throughout the francophone world. Text: Allez, viens III. In January, teacher recommendations
will be made for French IV-Honors. A final grade of B or above will be acceptable for promotion to French IV-
Honors next Fall.
French IV-Honors: French IV-H students will become knowledgeable about French history and culture; become
more skilled in reading longer selections and unabridged works by French authors; increase their active and passive
vocabulary; and become more effective in using spoken and written French as a means of communication. Text:
Tresors du temps. In January, teacher recommendations will be made for AP French Language. According to Foreign
Language Department guidelines, only students with a B+ average or better in French IV-Honors will be
recommended.
AP French Language: AP French Language follows the prescribed curriculum of the Advanced Placement
Program. It provides an in-depth study of the French language through extensive reading, writing, speaking, and
composition at the college level. In May, students are required to take the AP examination. The AP course is designed
to fulfill the objectives established by the College Board. For more information, visit: ww.apcentral.collegeboard.com.
Further Opportunities
Le Cercle Francais (French Club) is open to any student who wants humor, fun, opportunities for conversation,
enrichment and singing to enhance their linguistic and culinary skills and utilizing their acting abilities. It helps bring
participants closer to each other and a greater appreciation of French culture. We meet once a month.
L’Alliance Francaise de Raleigh: The mission of the Alliance Française of Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, NC is to
encourage and develop the knowledge of the French language and culture and to foster cultural, intellectual, artistic
and friendly exchanges between the French-speaking world and our local community.
Foreign Language Department
French
The topics listed below are included on the French II Placement Exam.
Salutations
Numbers to 100
Colors
Days/Months
Date
Time
Weather
Definite/Indefinite/articles
Possessive/Demonstrative Adjectives
Regular, present tense conjugations of ER, IR, RE verbs
Etre
Avoir
Aller
Aller + infinitive to express near future
Faire
Prendre
Mettre
Negation
Agreement of Nouns and Adjectives
Correct use of subject pronouns and conjugation
Correct sentence order
Interrogative words
Formation of questions
Family
Food
Daily Activities
There will be a writing sample given