Sometimes the objectives of a course require the viewing of a full-length film in class. For example, in a writing class I have used La Fille sur le pont (1999) and Vipère au poing (2004) as the basis for an…
It was recently brought to my attention that the journal Modern & Contemporary France is offering articles for free. Many of the subjects are relevant for a course in French civilization, post-revolutionary French history, or literature. In preparing for a civilization…
Whether teaching a foreign language or using most students’ native tongue to discuss texts or other cultural productions, inciting discussion can be a surprisingly difficult task. Successful group discussions require both planning and flexibility to accomplish the goals you set…
One difficult aspect of teaching grammar is the disjointed impression given by a series of grammar lessons: when going over the difference between the gerond and the infinitive, for example, we tend to give students a long series of sample…
Apply for an academic job and you may very likely be asked to provide a copy of your teaching portfolio. While “portfolio” suggests simply a folder of teaching-related materials, really it should be a much more connected collection of evidence…
Michel Fugain’s 1972 song “Une Belle Histoire” has become a classic ballad of summer vacation, travel, and youth. The musical style is pretty dated, but that only adds to the kitchy fun of the song. It also happens to use…