La France contemporaine [Paperback]

William Edmiston (Author), Annie Dumenil (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 26, 2009 | ISBN-10: 1428231234 | ISBN-13: 978-1428231238 | Edition: 4

Immerse yourself in the France of today with LA FRANCE CONTEMPORAINE! The text will improve your understanding of the Francophone world and your communication in French, using up-to-date information on the political, social, technological, economic, and rich cultural forces that affect this fascinating country and its people. End-of-chapter comprehension and discussion activities, sample quizzes, and an integrated companion website help you master the material and fully appreciate everything that makes France French.

Editorial Reviews

Review

I have looked at other texts, and have found that no other provides the depth of information that LFC does. I haven't found a competitor yet.

Students like [the text] and often say they keep it (instead of selling it back).

... the Instructor's Manual contains exceedingly pertinent information that comes in handy, not only for added classroom discussion, but for further research topics that individual students could well utilize for oral or written assignments.... Basically, what I like so much about it is that in a relatively small number of pages, LFC contains all the real 'beef' students need to digest in order to understand and appreciate the specificity of France.

I have used the Instructor's Manual. The "Cultural notes" and Quizzes are very useful. ...Two key features for teaching: a. Information is divided into small units (a unit can easily be integrated even when time is limited). b. Information is expressed in a language that students are able to handle. When I teach again the third level of French, I will look at other publishers' textbooks. So far, I believe that Heinle has a unique product in La France contemporaine. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Language Notes

Text: French, English --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 317 pages
• Publisher: Heinle; 4 edition (May 26, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1428231234
• ISBN-13: 978-1428231238
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.3 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #181,599 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent text book, May 23, 2007

By 

E. Acker - See all my reviews

This review is from: LA France Contemporaine (French Edition) (Paperback)

This book was NEVER meant to be used as a French reader, which is what the books "Easy French Reader" and "Better Reading French" are.

La France Contemporaine is a bit pricey because it was written as a classroom TEXT BOOK to teach students about contemporary French culture. It is written entirely in French with the expectation that the reader ALREADY KNOWS the language. The text is straight-forward and accessible, and it teaches students about the complex French government, school and health systems, regional heritage, and more.

So if you are looking for a great intermediate-level French text book, this is it. However, you will be sadly disappointed if all you want are simple, educational stories to improve your French reading skills.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars French Teacher says, "Très bien!", September 23, 2008

By 

Centre Frenchie - See all my reviews

This review is from: La France contemporaine (Paperback)

I used this book in college and loved it! It was one of the few books I actually enjoyed reading. Now I use it in my own French classroom with AP level students, and they enjoy it, too. It makes many pieces of the French language and culture accessible while still challenging them and forcing them to learn something. I think the price is appropriate for content of the book. Yes, it is thin and paperback, but it is crammed with information that students need to know before traveling abroad or pursuing advanced studies in French language and culture.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Every French Major/Minor should read, October 21, 2010

By 

A. S. Rivera (Tampa, FL) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: La France contemporaine (Paperback)

This is a wonderful book!!! I think that every french major, french education major, and french minor should read this book because it seriously takes you inside la "memoire collective de la France" and helps you see the "world" from a french perspective. It is so easy to read and it is really interesting. I recommend it to anyone that wants to know about France from a modern perspective. It incorporates history and links it to modern day problems, it talks about all sorts of subjects (from religion to sexuality) and it has great review questions at the end of each chapter. LOVE IT!