Debuts: An Introduction to French, Student Edition

Welcome to Débuts: a completely integrated film-based introductory course for learning French language and culture. The film narrative of Le Chemin du retour is what drives the scope and sequence of vocabulary and grammar, the presentation of culture, and the development of reading and writing. A two-hour feature-length film, Le Chemin du retour is the story of a young television journalist, Camille Leclair, and her pursuit of the truth about her grandfather’s mysterious past. Through Camille’s quest, students learn language and culture in the functional context provided by the story. The textbook/film package grew out of the authors’ conviction that language learning is more than just learning skills: it is also a process in which understanding of culture must surely occupy a central position. Therefore, Débuts and Le Chemin du retour emphasize the importance of cultural awareness and understanding, not only of French and Francophone culture, but also of the student’s own culture. In addition, the Débuts program contains both literary and cultural readings, as well as a playlist of Francophone songs, to provide even more authentic input to students on current or provocative topics, allowing for more student interaction in class. There is also CourseSmart eTextbook version of this title available separately. Students can save up to 50% off the cost of a print book, reduce their impact on the environment, and access powerful web tools for learning. Faculty can also review and compare the full text online without having to wait for a print desk copy. For maxiumum portability, e Textbooks can be viewed on an iPhone or iPod Touch, and they can be printed.

Thomas T. Field received his Ph.D. in linguistics from Cornell University. He is currently professor of Linguistics and French at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. Dr. Field's research is focused on Occitan sociolinguistics and the teaching of French and Francophone culture. In 1996, he was named Maryland Professor of the Year by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.

H. Jay Siskin received his Ph.D. from Cornell University in Romance and French linguistics. He is Professor of French and Program Chair of World Languages at Cabrillo College. He is author of five textbooks in French, as well as numerous articles and reviews that have appeared in such publications as The French Review, Foreign Language Annals, and the PMLA. Most recently, he has edited a volume of essays entitled From Thought to Action: Exploring Beliefs and Outcomes in the Foreign Language Program. His book, which explores the cultural context of university-level foreign language teaching, will be published by Yale University Press. Professor Siskin serves as chair of the Modern Language Association's Division of the Teaching of Language and is a member of that association's Committee on Awards and honors, as well as of its Delegate Assembly. He is currently pursuing an advanced degree in Jewish Studies at the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, CA.

Ann Williams received her Ph.D. from Northwestern University and also has a Diplôme d'Études Approfondies from the Université de Lyon II. She is currently professor of French at Metropolitan State College of Denver, where she teaches courses in language, literature, and culture, and she has coauthored three other college-level French textbooks. Dr. Williams received the Chris Wells Memorial Creativity Award in 2008 (Colorado Congress of Foreign Language Teachers).