An Effective Communicative Approach for the Introduction of French Literature

Abstract

THIS ARTICLE IS INTENDED to serve as a framework for a second-year introductory literature class. Suitable texts are suggested, and specific examples are given for appropriate methods and activities with emphasis on communication. French VI, Problems in Language and Style is intended to develop students' skills in reading, writing and speaking French ... particularly through extensive vocabulary and idiom building (course description). Two texts, one novel, and one play, are read thoroughly and methodically, after which students should be able to read most moderately difficult texts in the original version with almost total comprehension and enjoyment. Students enrolled in this course have completed the equivalent of four quarters of French at the University level. French 1, 2, and 3 constitute a oneyear sequence where texts such as Decouverte et creation by Hester and Jian, or Langue et langage by Pucciani and Hamel are covered. French 4 is a review grammar course using Collage (Baker and Bleuze) four days a week and short stories from Panache litte'raire by Calvin and Baker are read on the fifth day. All classes are taught entirely in French using the direct method without recourse to English from day one. Some of the students are Freshmen from advanced placement classes. A sizeable group come from the International Relations major, whereas others represent diverse disciplines from both the arts and the sciences. A great number are not French majors. This course is designed to prepare students for upper division literature classes while improving their linguistic and communicative skills. The enrollment in this class has more than doubled in the past few years, and this paper will attempt to furnish a working model for the introduction of literature at the intermediate level with emphasis on a communicative cultural approach. General methodological concepts will precede specific references to four of the novels studied: Le Notaire du Havre, La Porte etroite, La Symphonie pastorale and Fermina Marquez.

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