Course Profile   Extended French (FEF4U), Grade 12, University Preparation, Combined

 

Unit 2:  À partir d’un roman

Time:  25 hours

 

Activity 1 | Activity 2 | Activity 3

 

Unit Description

In this unit, the study of a Canadian novel is considered in the context of the literary period and its influence on the author. The unit is structured in two main sections, L’auteur et son temps and La lecture guidée du roman. As a final task La dissertation, students write a formal essay, interpreting the motivation of characters in the novel according to moral values and the possible consequences of their actions. Activities include a brief research on the author and his/her time, a character study, a summary, and a short description. New language structures are indefinite pronouns and the formation and use of the subjonctif passé of er, ir, and re verbs and irregular verbs.

Unit Synopsis Chart

Activity

Time

Learning Expectations

Assessment Categories

Tasks

2.1
L’auteur et son temps

4 hours

OCV.01, .02, .03; REV.03, .04; OC1.02; OC3.01, .02, .03, .04, .05; RE1.01, .03; RE2.01, .04, .05
CGE2b

Knowledge/Understanding
Thinking/Inquiry
Communication

Research the author and his/her time

2.2
Enquête: la découverte d’un roman

18 hours

OCV.02, .03; REV.01, .02, .03, .04; WRV.01, .02, .03, .04; OC2.02, .05; OC3.01, .02, .03, .04, .05; RE1.04; RE2.01, .02, .03, .04, .05; WR1.01, .06; WR2.01, .02, .05
CGE2b, 2c

Thinking/Inquiry
Application
Communication

Guided reading of a novel (such as character study, summary, description, oral explanation)

2.3
Causes et effets

3 hours

REV.01, .02, .04; WRV.01, .02, .03, .04; RE1.02; RE2.04, .05; WR1.05, .06; WR2.01, .02, .03, .04, .05
CGE2b, 7b

Application
Thinking/Inquiry
Knowledge/Understanding

Culminating Task: Write an essay on character motivations and possible consequences

 

Activity 1:  L’auteur et son temps

Time:  4 hours

Description

Students are presented with general information on the novel to be studied and its author. Students choose and research one aspect of the author’s life, e.g., biography, literary movement, etc. – see
Annexe 2.1, and informally report back to the class. The independent reading of the novel is ongoing during Activities 1 and 2.
Students learn indefinite pronouns, e.g., plusieurs, personne, tout, aucun, rien, chacun.

Strand(s) & Learning Expectations

Ontario Catholic Secondary Graduate Expectations

CGE 2b - read, understands and uses written materials effectively.

Strand(s):  Oral Communication, Reading, Writing

Overall Expectations

OCV.01 - respond to a wide range of spoken texts and media works;

OCV.02 - discuss and debate topics based on class discussions, individual research, and personal interests;

OCV.03 - use correct grammar and appropriate language conventions during oral communication activities;

REV.03 - extend their understanding of the culture of French-speaking people around the world through reading literary works and informational texts;

REV.04 - identify and understand language conventions used in reading materials.

Specific Expectations

OC1.02 - demonstrate an understanding of media works by expressing ideas and opinions about points of view and issues discussed;

OC3.01 - recognize and use appropriate language structures (see language structures for Extended French, Grade 12, p. 34);

OC3.02 - use newly acquired vocabulary in conversations, discussions, and presentations;

OC3.03 - identify and correct anglicisms and errors in their speech;

OC3.04 - incorporate colloquialisms and idiomatic expressions into their speech;

OC3.05 - select vocabulary and language structures to enhance the clarity and precision of their speech;

RE1.01 - explain how an author’s background and philosophy (as presented in biographical and critical works) are reflected in the author’s writing;

RE1.03 - read excerpts from a range of authors and describe the main characteristics of one or more French literary movements (e.g., le classicisme, le théâtre de l’absurde);

RE2.01 - recognize and use appropriate language structures (see language structures for Extended French, Grade 12, p. 34);

RE2.04 - expand their working vocabulary with words from a variety of subjects (e.g., history, science, technology);

RE2.05 - use French-English and French dictionaries to determine the meaning of unfamiliar vocabulary.

Prior Knowledge & Skills

·     Previous study of a novel

·     Research skills

Planning Notes

·     A list of possible research topics related to the author’s life (Annexe 2.1) is provided and the teacher may choose to add to the list.

·     Depending on class size, students may work in pairs or in groups.

·     Access to computers and the Internet is required.

Teaching/Learning Strategies

1.   The teacher introduces students to the novel and its author, while students read, listen, take notes, and ask questions for clarification.

2.   The teacher distributes and discusses Annexe 2.1 while students ask questions for clarification and choose the topic they wish to research (individually, in pairs, or in groups).

3.   The teacher explains the use of indefinite pronouns, e.g., plusieurs, personne, tout, aucun, rien, chacun, while students complete grammar exercises.

4.   The teacher monitors, corrects, and advises while students research their chosen topics.

5.   The teacher monitors students’ informal presentation of their findings.

Assessment & Evaluation of Student Achievement

Type

User

Tool

Strategy/Activity

Achievement Categories

Formative

Teacher/ Student

Observation

Reading, listening, oral questions and discussion

Knowledge/Understanding

Formative

Teacher/ Student

Observation

Oral questions and discussion (Annexe 2.1)

Knowledge/Understanding Thinking/Inquiry

Diagnostic

Teacher

Answer sheet

Grammar exercises

Knowledge/Understanding

Formative

Teacher

Observation and feedback

Research

Knowledge/Understanding
Thinking/Inquiry
Making Connections

Formative

Teacher

Observation

Informal presentation

Communication

Accommodations

·     Provision of supplementary resources

Resources

Unilingual French dictionaries

Bilingual French-English dictionaries

Bescherelle

Access to Internet

Appendices

Annexe 2.1 – List of research topics

 

Activity 2:  Enquête : la découverte d’un roman

Time:  18 hours

Description

Through guided readings, students learn to write a summary, present an oral explanation (explication de texte) and write a short character description. This leads to a character study of one of the principal characters in the novel. This is in preparation for the formal essay in Activity 3. Students learn the formation and use of the subjonctif passé of er, ir, and re verbs and irregular verbs.

Strand(s) & Learning Expectations

Ontario Catholic Secondary Graduate Expectations

CGE 2b - read, understands, and uses written materials effectively;

CGE 2c - presents information and ideas clearly and honestly and with sensitivity to others.

Strand(s):  Oral Communication, Reading, Writing

Overall Expectations

OCV.02 - discuss and debate topics based on class discussions, individual research, and personal interests;

OCV.03 - use correct grammar and appropriate language conventions during oral communication activities;

REV.01 - demonstrate an understanding of texts from a variety of genres studied in class and as independent reading assignments;

REV.02 - interpret a wide range of texts and apply the knowledge acquired in other contexts;

REV.03 - extend their understanding of the culture of French-speaking people around the world through reading literary works and informational texts;

REV.04 - identify and understand language conventions used in their reading materials;

WRV.01 - express ideas and opinions in a variety of written forms, demonstrating the ability to extract and analyse information from a range of sources;

WRV.02 - adjust the language used in their writing to suit the purpose and the audience;

WRV.03 - organize their writing so that ideas and information are clearly, logically, and coherently presented;

WRV.04 - use correct grammar and appropriate language conventions in written work.

Specific Expectations:

OC2.02 - summarize in sequence the essential points of a narration or discussion;

OC2.05 - participate in large- and small-group discussions, round-tables, and debates relating to a particular theme by explaining and justifying their points of view and reacting to those of their classmates;

OC3.01 - recognize and use appropriate language structures (see language structures for Extended French, Grade 12, p. 34);

OC3.02 - use newly acquired vocabulary in conversations, discussions, and presentations;

OC3.03 - identify and correct anglicisms and errors in their speech;

OC3.04 - incorporate colloquialisms and idiomatic expressions into their speech;

OC3.05 - select vocabulary and language structures to enhance the clarity and precision of their speech;

RE1.04 - summarize the plot of a novel or a play and identify the main themes;

RE2.01 - recognize and use appropriate language structures (see language structures for Extended French, Grade 12, p. 34);

RE2.02 - demonstrate an understanding of the purpose of prefaces, prologues, and epilogues;

RE2.03 - compare and contrast the form and style of various genres (e.g., poems, essays, plays, short stories, novels);

RE2.04 - expand their working vocabulary with words from a variety of subjects (e.g., history, science, technology);

RE2.05 - use French-English and French dictionaries to determine the meaning of unfamiliar vocabulary;

WR1.01 - write expositions, descriptions, and narrations, using a style and language appropriate to different purposes and audiences;

WR1.06 - revise their writing, focusing on organization and presentation of ideas;

WR2.01 - recognize and use appropriate language structures (see language structures for Extended French, Grade 12, p. 34);

WR2.02 - revise, edit, and proofread their writing, focusing on grammar, spelling, punctuation, and conventions of style;

WR2.05 - use French-English and French dictionaries to verify spelling, confirm the meaning of newly acquired words and phrases, and expand their vocabulary.

Prior Knowledge & Skills

·     Knowledge of the subjonctif présent of er, ir, and re verbs

·     Notes from previous units and activities

Planning Notes

·     The teacher selects excerpts from the novel to be used for guided reading.

·     The teacher prepares examples of a summary, a description, and a character study, if possible, from the novel.

·     The teacher must be prepared to model an explication de texte.

·     An explication de texte is an oral report that takes a brief excerpt of the novel and relates it to the themes and/or major characters of the novel as a whole.

·     In the selection of characters for the character study, care should be taken so that a study of each main character is completed by more than one student; this ensures the success of the jigsaw process in Activity 3.

Teaching/Learning Strategies

1.   The teacher presents one excerpt, e.g., first chapter, from the novel while students read, listen, and ask questions for clarification.

2.   The teacher distributes and explains a summary of the excerpt while students read, listen, and ask questions for clarification.

3.   The teacher monitors, corrects, and advises while students prepare a summary of an assigned excerpt (this process may be repeated throughout the reading of the novel with other assigned excerpts, as the teacher deems necessary).

4.   The teacher presents a second excerpt from the novel relevant to a description of a character while students read, listen, and ask questions for clarification.

5.   The teacher distributes and explains a character description based on the excerpt while students read, listen, and ask questions for clarification.

6.   The teacher monitors, corrects, and advises while students prepare a character description based on an excerpt referring to one of the principal characters.

7.   Building on prior knowledge of the subjonctif présent, the teacher explains the formation and use of the subjonctif passé of er, ir, and re verbs and irregular verbs while students complete grammar exercises.

8.   Referring to a third excerpt, the teacher models an explication de texte while students listen, take notes, and ask questions for clarification.

9.   The teacher monitors, corrects, and advises while students prepare and present an explication de texte, based on an excerpt of their choice.

10.  Referring to a fourth excerpt, the teacher extrapolates from the previous character description to present a character study, paying particular attention to the motivations for the character’s actions and the consequences of those actions, both actual and possible, while students read, listen, and ask questions for clarification.

11.  The teacher monitors, corrects, and advises while students research, prepare, and write a character study based on a character of their choice, keeping in mind that this will form the basis of their essay in Activity 3.

Assessment & Evaluation of Student Achievement

Type

User

Tool

Strategy/Activity

Achievement Categories

Formative

Teacher/ Student

Observation

Reading, listening, and oral questioning

Knowledge/Understanding

Formative

Teacher

Observation

Reading, listening, oral questions, and discussion

Knowledge/Understanding
Thinking/Inquiry

Summative

Teacher

Rating scale

Write a summary

Application

Formative

Teacher/ Student

Observation

Reading, listening, and oral questioning

Knowledge/Understanding

Formative

Teacher

Observation

Reading, listening, oral questions, and discussion

Knowledge/Understanding
Thinking/Inquiry

Summative

Teacher

Rating scale

Write a character description

Application

Diagnostic

Teacher

Answer sheet

Grammar exercises

Knowledge/Understanding

Formative

Teacher/ Student

Observation

Reading, listening, and oral questioning

Knowledge/Understanding

Formative/ Summative

Teacher

Checklist

Prepare and present an explication de texte

Knowledge/Understanding
Thinking/Inquiry
Communication
Application

Formative

Teacher/ Student

Observation

Reading, listening, and oral questioning

Knowledge/Understanding

Summative

Teacher

Rubric

Research and prepare a character study

Thinking/Inquiry
Communication
Application

Resources

Unilingual French dictionaries

Bilingual French-English dictionaries

Bescherelle

Jean, Gladys. Avec Brio : Guide pratique de communication. Toronto: Pearson Education, 1996.

·     (Pour faire un exposé oral - pages 6 à 10)

·     (Pour faire un résumé - page 28)

·     (Pour la description - pages 90, 108, 134, 135)

·     (Pour le subjonctif présent et passé - pages 185 à 189)

St-Ours, Normand. L’essentiel grammatical. Montréal : Guérin, 1993.

Notes from previous units and activities

 

Activity 3:  Causes et effets

Time:  3 hours

Description

The teacher reviews the characteristics of a formal essay (content, structure, and format, including footnotes and bibliography). Using the jigsaw method, students exchange information on the principal characters of the novel that were studied in Activity 2. This provides students with knowledge that allows them to write an essay that treats all the main characters in the novel. In addition to information obtained in these presentations, students refer to their notes and products from previous activities in order to research, draft, and write a 1000 to 1500 word essay interpreting the motivations of the characters in the novel and the consequences of their actions.

Strand(s) & Learning Expectations

Ontario Catholic Secondary Graduate Expectations

CGE2b - read, understands, and uses written materials effectively;

CGE7b - accepts accountability for one’s own actions.

Strand(s):  Oral Communication, Reading, Writing

Overall Expectations

REV.01 - demonstrate an understanding of texts from a variety of genres studied in class and as independent reading assignments;

REV.02 - interpret a wide range of texts and apply the knowledge acquired in other contexts;

REV.04 - identify and understand language conventions used in their reading materials;

WRV.01 - express ideas and opinions in a variety of written forms, demonstrating the ability to extract and analyse information from a range of sources;

WRV.02 - adjust the language used in their writing to suit the purpose and the audience;

WRV.03 - organize their writing so that ideas and information are clearly, logically, and coherently presented;

WRV.04 - use correct grammar and appropriate language conventions in written work.

Specific Expectations

RE1.02 - interpret the motivation of characters in a novel or play and predict possible consequences of the characters’ actions;

RE2.04 - expand their working vocabulary with words from a variety of subjects (e.g., history, science, technology);

RE2.05 - use French-English and French dictionaries to determine the meaning of unfamiliar vocabulary;

WR1.05 - write a formal essay (1000 to 1500 words) complete with footnotes and bibliography, on a topic under study;

WR1.06 - revise their writing, focusing on organization and presentation of ideas;

WR2.01 - recognize and use appropriate language structures (see language structures for Extended French, Grade 12, p. 34);

WR2.02 - revise, edit, and proofread their writing, focusing on grammar, spelling, punctuation, and conventions of style;

WR2.03 - observe the conventions of style when writing a formal essay (e.g., position of footnotes, placement of bibliography, spacing of paragraphs, margins);

WR2.04 - quote sources with appropriate footnotes and compile a bibliography for a written assignment;

WR2.05 - use French-English and French dictionaries to verify spelling, confirm the meaning of newly acquired words and phrases, and expand their vocabulary.

Prior Knowledge & Skills

·     Notes and products from previous activities

·     Essay writing skills

Planning Notes

·     The teacher should be familiar with the jigsaw method (each group contains an expert on one of the characters and presents the information to others).

·     The teacher provides resources on formal essay writing.

Teaching/Learning Strategies

1.   The teacher reviews formal essay writing skills (content, structure, and format, including footnotes and bibliography) while students read, listen, take notes, and ask questions for clarification.

2.   The teacher distributes and explains the essay rubric (Annexe 2.2) while students listen, take notes, and ask questions for clarification.

3.   The teacher monitors, corrects, and advises while students participate in the jigsaw process to share their expertise regarding the principal characters in the novel.

4.   The teacher monitors, corrects, and advises while students write the first draft of their essay.

5.   The teacher monitors and advises while each student peer edits the first draft of another student’s essay.

6.   The teacher remains available for conferencing as students prepare the final versions of their essays (it is expected that students write most of their final submission on their own time).

7.   The teacher uses the essay rubric (Annexe 3.3) to evaluate final submissions of student essays.

Assessment & Evaluation of Student Achievement

Type

User

Tool

Strategy/Activity

Achievement Categories

Formative

Teacher/ Student

Observation

Reading, listening, oral questioning, and discussion

Knowledge/Understanding

Formative

Teacher/ Student

Observation and feedback

Jigsaw process

Knowledge/Understanding
Thinking/Inquiry
Making Connections

Formative

Teacher

Observation and feedback

Essay writing (first draft)

Thinking/Inquiry
Application

Formative

Student

Observation and feedback

Peer editing

Thinking/Inquiry
Communication

Summative

Teacher

Rubric

Essay writing (final copy)

Communication
Application

 

Accommodations

·     Access to computers for word processing

Resources

Unilingual French dictionaries

Bilingual French-English dictionaries

Bescherelle

Notes and products from previous activities

Peers

Jean, Gladys. Avec Brio: Guide pratique de communication. Toronto: Pearson Education, 1996.

·     (Pour écrire une dissertation - pages 26 et 27)

·     (Pour réviser ses textes et ceux des autres - pages 47 et 48)

·     (Pour une étude de personnage - page 54)

Appendices

Annexe 2.2 – Evaluation Rubric: La dissertation

 

Annexe 2.1

List of research topics

 

 

les faits biographiques - date de naissance, situation familiale, formation, professions, mort

 

l’époque historique - évènements politiques et ses influences sur l’auteur

 

le mouvement littéraire - à contre courant ou en harmonie (le réalisme, le symbolisme, le surréalisme

 

l’existentialisme, l’absurde, le nouveau roman, etc.)

 

les influences des autres auteurs

 

les influences formatives et les liens avec ses oeuvres

 

le portrait psychologique - son caractère, ses goûts, ses intérêts, ses passe-temps

 

les idées et les thèmes qui reviennent dans ses oeuvres

 

le style littéraire - qu’est-ce qui le rend unique


Annexe 2.2

Evaluation Rubric: La dissertation

Categories

Level 1
(50-59%)

Level 2
(60-69%)

Level 3
(70-79%)

Level 4
(80-100%)

Knowledge/ Understanding
- knowledge of language forms and conventions (essay structure and format)


- understanding of the characters in the novel

 

 

- demonstrates limited understanding

- demonstrates limited knowledge of the characters in the novel

 

 

- demonstrates some understanding

- demonstrates some knowledge of the characters in the novel

 

 

- demonstrates considerable understanding

- demonstrates considerable knowledge of the characters in the novel

 

 

- demonstrates thorough understanding

- demonstrates thorough knowledge of the characters in the novel

Thinking/Inquiry
- critical and creative thinking skills to demonstrate an understanding of the characters’ motivations and the consequences of their actions

 

- uses critical and creative thinking skills with limited effectiveness

 

- uses critical and creative thinking skills with some effectiveness

 

- uses critical and creative thinking skills with considerable effectiveness

 

- uses critical and creative thinking skills with a high degree of effectiveness

Communication
- communication of information and ideas

 

- use of language

- communicates information and ideas with limited clarity

 

- uses language with limited accuracy and effectiveness

- communicates information and ideas with some clarity

 

- uses language with some accuracy and effectiveness

- communicates information and ideas with limited clarity

 

- uses language with considerable accuracy and effectiveness

- communicates information and ideas with limited clarity

 

- uses language with a high degree of accuracy and effectiveness

Application
- application of knowledge and skills in their explanation of the characters, their motivations and the consequences of their actions
- use of verbs, language structures and vocabulary

 

- applies knowledge and skills with limited effectiveness

- demonstrates limited ability to apply verbs, language structures, and vocabulary

 

- applies knowledge and skills with some effectiveness

 

- demonstrates some ability to apply verbs, language structures, and vocabulary

 

- applies knowledge and skills with considerable effectiveness

- demonstrates considerable ability to apply verbs, language structures, and vocabulary

 

- applies knowledge and skills with a high degree of effectiveness

- demonstrates a high degree of ability to apply verbs, language structures, and vocabulary

Note: A student whose achievement is below Level 1 (50%) has not met the expectations for this assignment or activity.

 

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