Tout un Monde: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Intermediate French

Reviewed by Cecile Barnhart, Associate Professor of French, Louisiana College on 5/4/20

Comprehensiveness rating: 3 see less

This book does not comprehensively address the language content and skills typically addressed in an intermediate-level French textbook. It is as though this is "part 1" of a 2-part project, or this book could be used in conjunction with other resources (to address aural and reading skills) in a first semester Intermediate French course. Instructors may be more apt to use this resource if it included an additional three similarly-conceived chapters for the second semester of Intermediate French. It could then be considered truly comprehensive.

Content Accuracy rating: 5

The content that is presented in the book appears to accurate, error-free, and unbiased.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 5

The content is up-to-date and grounded in a historical and literary context (especially through the choice of vocabulary and images/illustrations) that will cause it to have longevity for all students as well as particular relevance for students who plan to continue their student of French to include French and francophone literature and culture.

Clarity rating: 5

The text is written in simple, clear French. This is advantageous because it allows the intermediate French student to "capture" grammatical and historical terms in context.

Consistency rating: 5

The textbook has a consistent format that allows it to be predictable in its presentation of vocabulary, grammatical concepts, and the practice of the same.

Modularity rating: 5

This textbook could easily be reformatted to be used in conjunction with other materials (aural practice, reading passages, additional grammar instruction/review, etc.). If such reformatting was done, this text could possibly be used for two semesters of Intermediate French.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

This textbook presents information in a logical, clear fashion.

Interface rating: 5

The downloaded pdf displayed the textbook clearly and easily.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

The text is free of grammatical errors.

Cultural Relevance rating: 5

The text appears to be culturally inclusive and not euro-centric. For example, cultural references and images include those from francophone Europe as well those from the French-speaking world.

Comments

The textbook does not include current images of individuals. If it did, it would make it have less longevity, of course. But on the other hand, it would make it more culturally relevant and attractive to students. Students would be able to connect visually with images of people similar to them (or different from them). Of course, instructors can supplement the text with video resources and others to help with this. In addition, it is unclear as to whether or not there are ancillary resources such as testing resources, audio-visual resources (such as audio files online or corresponding videos), or practice exercises (such as a practice workbook) available to go along with this textbook.

Reviewed by Cynthia Laborde, Assistant Professor of French, University of Texas at Arlington on 3/3/20

Comprehensiveness rating: 4 see less

The textbook contains a very appropriate and exhaustive glossary. The three chapters cover their area appropriately, with many interactive and communicative activities for the students. The grammar is a review is limited to the different verbs tenses and the different pronouns in French.

Content Accuracy rating: 5

All the information is accurate and all pictures are recent.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 4

The textbook focuses on vocabulary and grammar points through 3 main themes : building a successful future, cultivating your garden and your taste, describing your vision to reach your destination. Each of these broad themes are divided in 3 sub sections. All the themes and sections are contemporary and apply to nowadays society in a broad way.

Clarity rating: 5

The textbook uses both inductive and deductive methods of learning. There are lists of vocabulary given with both French and English, and grammar charts but no explicit grammar explanations. Students learn through a set of activities, from reading to matching exercises but also doing specific searches online. The book gives students the tools they need, students learn by using the tools. This requires the instructor of the course to be a mediator and a guide.

Consistency rating: 5

The book is very consistent in its structure and way of approaching new material. New vocabulary is in blue charts. Grammar points are in orange charts. Two to four pages are dedicated to each grammar point or new vocabulary words.

Modularity rating: 5

The book is very modulable, 3 chapters with 3 parts each revolving around different grammatical points and thematic vocabulary.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

Since the book isn't for beginners, the flow of information isn't as important. Each chapter works around a specific theme. They could potentially be done in a different order. "Second year" means students have already seen the grammar points, but maybe not as much in depth. The textbook offers a good grammatical review of verb tenses and pronouns, while introducing new vocabulary, all of which are used in context and together.

Interface rating: 5

No interface issue. The images used as illustrations are sharp and colorful. The use of colors is helpful for students who are visual learners.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

No grammatical errors.

Cultural Relevance rating: 4

The book isn't culturally insensitive or offensive in any way. However it also doesn't particularly broach on that subject. It does try not to focus exclusively on France by integrating different francophone cultures.

Comments

It's a great book that can be used on its own, or as a base for a class where an instructor also provides their own material to complement the textbook. The textbook is entirely in the target language (French), aside from the English translation of some of the vocabulary.