Intermediate French I

Student Eligibility

Grades: 11, 12

One of the following: 

• Prerequisite: 3–4 years or high school French or equivalent
• Approval: Instructor

Grades: 9, 10

Both of the following:

• Prerequisite: 3–4 years or high school French or equivalent
• Approval: Instructor 

Instructor Qualifications

Instructors apply and are selected by faculty in accordance with the UMN policy governing Academic Appointments with Teaching Functions. Once approved, an instructor is appointed as a Teaching Specialist 9754 (University Job Title and Code) in the College of Continuing and Professional Studies. Instructor qualifications are determined by the sponsoring University department.

Visit the Apply to Teach a Course page for course-specific qualifications and application steps.

Textbooks and Course Materials

FREN 1003 and 1004 are in the process of transitioning to a new curriculum. New instructors will use the following for FREN 1003:

• En avant! Beginning French by Bruce Anderson and Annabelle Dolidon. McGraw-Hill, 2024. ISBN: 9781260941661
• En avant! Workbook (print or digital copy through "Connect")
• Excerpts of Le Coeur à rire et à pleurer by Maryse Condé (provided by the department)

Minnesota public schools are responsible for the cost of required textbooks and course materials.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do teachers have a choice in assignments? Are there required assignments? 
CIS teachers work from a common syllabus developed by the UMN second-year language coordinator. Therefore, core assignments should be the same for CIS teachers as for instructors at the University. However, teachers commonly add assignments and activities of their own choosing that relate to the themes and goals of the course. In addition, teachers adapt the UMN syllabus to their particular school calendar. All CIS teachers work with the following types of assignments: grammar exercises from the textbook and the workbook; reading comprehension questions (textbook reading and additional reading); compositions (two drafts each); and preparation for oral exams (Conversations Evaluées).

Who creates the exams?
CIS teachers are provided with a complete set of exams. Each chapter has one exam, which generally includes the following sections: listening comprehension, vocabulary, structures, preassigned reading/culture, new reading, composition. Additional short quizzes are also included.

Is there a training and mentoring system for new CIS French teachers?
Both the faculty coordinator and assistant serve as mentors for the CIS French teachers. A fellow CIS teacher may also be assigned as an individual mentor. An active listserv helps all French teachers mentor each other. Two CIS French websites give teachers access to program materials and other resources contributed by participating teachers. In addition to this, new teachers benefit from workshops which focus on both course content and University processes, and attend an orientation to College in the Schools that will familiarize them with the support available through CIS as well as prepare them for administrative tasks such as registering students and posting grades.

High school class schedules vary: can a teacher in the block system teach UMN French?
All courses offered through CIS have the same minimum number of contact hours as the on-campus sections. However, aside from this minimum requirement (70−75 contact hours), the course is offered in varying formats according to each school’s needs. Several participating schools are on a block schedule. Though the standard model is to offer FREN 1003 and 1004 consecutively in one school year, many schools have chosen to do 1003 only through one school year. Where possible, these schools offer 1004 the following year.

What happens at typical teacher workshops?
Typical activities at CIS workshops include familiarization with new course materials; reviewing and/or developing student assessment tools; sharing instructional materials; discussing particular content, pedagogy, or assessment of the University course; listening to guest speaker presentations on cultural and pedagogical topics; and receiving updates on CIS program policies and practices. 

What happens at typical student field days?
Student field days provide an opportunity for CIS students to meet their peers, practice skills they have learned in class, and explore the Twin Cities campus. The following are typical elements of a French field day agenda:

• Students meet in small groups with community members who are using French in their professions, or attend a presentation and Q&A with a native French speaker about their personal history and their experience of different cultures.
• Coffee and croissant break with instructors and students from the University and other high schools, which includes a conversation activity in French.

What other recommendations or comments can you offer to prospective CIS French teachers?
High school students taking FREN 1003 and 1004 can immediately begin advanced coursework in French if they begin their college careers at the UMN, as well as at many other colleges and universities. To get a minor in French at the U, a student only needs six more courses in French after FREN 1004.