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Assessing the undergraduate French major: institutional and individual accountability

Article Abstract:

The undergraduate French major program can be evaluated by using outcomes assessment and student portfolios. Outcomes assessment indicators can be based on examinations, gpa, transcripts, or a capstone seminar. Associations such as the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages and the American Association of Teachers of French have formulated objectives for the foreign language major that can be useful. An example from one department states objectives in language, literature and culture/civilization. Student portfolios can help in assessing outcomes for majors as a group.

Universities and colleges, Curricula, College curriculum

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'Morte la bete noire': two techniques for teaching the French /R/

Article Abstract:

Pronunciation of the French /R/ can be taught by combining two techniques, one based on gargling, the other on the English /h/ sound. The unvoiced /h/ sound in English is articulated at the same point as the French voiced /R/; thus, it can be helpful to point this out to American students of French. A small-scale study of beginning and advanced students of French was conducted to compare the effectiveness of the two techniques.

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