My areas of interest in research are determined mainly by my position of coordinator. I am particularly interested in how to design curriculum according to the ACTFL performance standards elaborated, how to blend language instruction in order to develop students' critical thinking along with language acquisition. In addition to this, as we have been developing hybrid and online versions of our intermediate classes, I have mentored and assisted graduate students in creating curriculum, class activities that are relevant and engaging to students, as well as assessments. I fully integrated VoiceThread assignments and assessments in all 3 classes I coordinate (2110, 2120, 3010). In an effort to increase students' proficiency, I applied for a grant from ALTEC to support students enrolled in 2120 to have 3 15-minute conversations with a native speaker through Boomalang.
keywords
modern literature, modern novel, pedagogy, second-language acquisition
Teaching
courses taught
FREN 2110 - Second-Year French Grammar Review and Reading 1
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2018 / Fall 2018 / Spring 2019 / Fall 2020 / Spring 2021 / Fall 2022 / Spring 2023 / Summer 2023 / Fall 2023 / Spring 2024 / Fall 2024 / Fall 2025 / Spring 2026
A film based curriculum will expand the knowledge of francophone culture and will continue the development of communication skills begun in the first year. This third semester course will review essential beginning grammar before introducing intermediate structures, vocabulary, and cultural/literary texts.
FREN 2120 - Second-Year French Grammar Review and Reading 2
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2018 / Summer 2018 / Fall 2019 / Spring 2020 / Fall 2020 / Spring 2021 / Fall 2021 / Spring 2022 / Fall 2024 / Spring 2025
Completes the film-based study of intermediate grammar begun in FREN 2110. Continued reading in French literature and culture, with considerable practice in writing and speaking French. Fulfills the Graduate School language requirement for the Ph.D.
FREN 3010 - Phonetics and Conversation: AI and Us
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2018 / Fall 2018 / Spring 2019 / Fall 2021 / Fall 2024 / Spring 2025 / Fall 2025 / Spring 2026
Improves students' ability to pronounce French correctly by exploring the relationship between artificial intelligence and human intelligence while acquiring the basics of the International Phonetic Alphabet. Coursework involves extensive opportunities to speak French confidently and accurately from the word level to the discourse level. Assignments provide ample opportunity for improving pronunciation and spelling by practicing the differences between English and French sounds. Taught in French. Students must have completed FREN 2120 or its equivalent; they also have the option of taking this class concurrently with FREN 2120. FREN 3010 is one of three Advanced French course options of which students must successfully complete two.
FREN 3050 - French Composition
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2022
Develops advanced French writing skills through practice in multiple genres, structured revision, and analytical engagement with short literary and cultural texts. Emphasizes grammatical accuracy, stylistic refinement, and critical thinking. Taught in French. FREN 3050 is one of three Advanced French course options of which French majors and minors must successfully complete two.
FREN 3100 - Introduction to Critical Reading and Writing in French Literature
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2021
An exploration of important moments in French culture and history as represented in major works of fiction, poetry, and drama. Emphasis on refining critical thought through compositions and oral expression in French. Taught in French. FREN 3100 is one of three Advanced French course options of which French majors and minors must successfully complete two.
