French Minor

In today’s world, communication is of paramount importance. The ability to speak to business associates in their own language both here and abroad can turn awkward and difficult relationships into success stories. World languages students at Ramapo will learn functional skills that will make them proficient and culturally aware in many areas where world languages are used, such as international affairs, business, multi-national corporations, international trade, import/export, education and culture.

French language students at Ramapo College work in small classes and receive close, individualized attention and encouragement from their professors. In addition, technical support and personal assistance are available in the Topken World Language Lab.

All courses are taught in French. Classes are conducted with an emphasis on oral communication, but writing, reading and the study of grammar are fully incorporated in our methodology. The appropriate sequence of courses enables a student to acquire a degree of fluency in French and insight into the diverse cultural aspects of the countries where French is spoken.

Additional materials are inserted in the general syllabus in order to motivate students to participate effectively in their language acquisition. Cultural features are conveyed in order to present an authentic image of French-speaking communities around the world. Texts, documents and other materials are presented with a global perspective and stimulate honest, critical thinking among students on moral, social, political and economic values. Students are able to enroll in civilization, advanced conversation, cinema, business, or independent study courses.

The world languages faculty at Ramapo College have native fluency in the language they teach and are familiar with the latest language instruction techniques and technology. They are prepared to support their students through demanding but rewarding courses.

Goal 1 – Communication

Communication: The ability to convey and receive messages based on the three modes of communication; interpersonal, or two-way interaction with someone else; interpretive, the ability to understand and interpret a one-way aural or written text; and presentational, the ability to present information in either a written or oral format. These modes reflect how people communicate in real life. The examples included in the World Language Skills map reflect these modes of communication.

Outcome 1: Students in the intermediate range are able to express their own thoughts, provide descriptions, and communicate about familiar topics using sentences and strings of sentences. They comprehend general concepts and messages about familiar and occasionally unfamiliar topics. They can ask questions on familiar topics. Students reach this proficiency range generally after 4-5 years in a language program depending on its intensity.

Goal 2 – Cultural diversity

Cultures: As the teaching of language and culture are inextricably intertwined, students learn to understand the culture of the people who speak the target language through learning about the products and practices of the culture and how those relate to the perspectives of the people of that culture.

Outcome 1: Use the language to investigate, explain, and reflect on the relationship between the practices and products of French-speaking cultures from around the world and their diverse perspectives.

Sources:

• 21st Century Skills Map

• ACTFL guidelines