Novice-level Novels to Enhance Communication in the French Classroom

Course Description

For communication in L2 to exist, students need something to talk about. Reading short novels crafted especially for the novice learner not only provides characters and a plot, but also the feeling of accomplishment once the novel has been read. In this course, we will discuss the theory of comprehensible input and then go on to use the theory while exploring how to reach novice learners through three novice-level novels in French: Le Maillot, La Nouvelle Fille and Un Voyage Difficile, learning how to incorporate what is already embedded in the novel to further pique students' interest and get the most out of the reading, including culture, geography, food, social issues and even politics. Within each module, participants will examine the online content, read the books, engage in discussion, prepare and share activities for use in the classroom. The course is a forum to collaborate, share ideas and best practices for involving the comprehensible novel in the novice-level classroom. (Open to teachers of all languages at every level but designed for teachers of the Novice Level. Course conducted in French by Elisa Kirschhoffer)

What participants are saying about this course

"It was a great course! I learned so much and got a lot from it."

Required Texts 

Degenhardt, Jennifer. Le Maillot. Puentes (2018)

Degenhardt, Jennifer. Un Voyage Difficile, Puentes (2019)

Degenhardt, Jennifer.  La Nouvelle Fille. Puentes (2019)

Course Delivery 

Online weekly learning modules, collaborative discussion boards and instructor feedback. This course is not self-paced. 

Students who matriculate into an Instructor-Facilitated course should adhere to the dates listed on the website. Final coursework should be submitted within one week after the course end date. Course extensions beyond one week are subject to a $50 fee.

About the Instructor

Elisa Kirschhoffer, Instructor. Read more about Elisa here.

Click here to request a syllabus.