FRENCH FILMS - PRE-TEXTS FOR TEACHING SYNTAX

Many language professors agree that we have to find a radically differ ent way to teach grammar if it is to be taught at all. This paper pres ents and comments on an experiment that was started at Gettysburg Coll ege in 1989. Using a proficiency based approach, this course uses film s as texts, that provide a cultural, visual and linguistic context in which the class functions. Various activities are organized around two films every semester, before the viewing, during and afterwards. This article also explains the articulation and purpose of such an organiz ation by themes and units where the students' personal experiences mee t French culture from within. Challenged in this way, students enjoy t he creative experience of learning while they do not always notice the skill they are acquiring in French grammar.