SOLUS is Queen’s Student On-Line University System. You’ll have access to a SOLUS account once you become a Queen’s student. You’ll use SOLUS to register for courses, add and drop courses, update your contact information, view financial and academic information, and pay your tuition.
Communication et culture I

For students with no (or no more than grade 9 or equivalent) background in French.
This course is not intended for fluent speakers.
If you are uncertain of your level, we recommend you take our online Placement Test (https://www.queensu.ca/french/undergraduate/french-placement-test). Since the language learning background that each student brings in French is unique, the French Placement Test is the French Studies Department’s best way of making sure you are in the course that best suits your current level.
Please note: This course is typically offered in the fall and/or summer term
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
- Understand expressions relating to you, your family, or your environment when words are articulated slowly and carefully.
- Apply strategies to determine meaning of unfamiliar words and phrases in commonplace text.
- Write short and simple paragraphs and emails on familiar topics using the present and near future tenses.
- Communicate by asking and answering simple questions and by expressing preferences related to people, places, school, and leisure activities.
- Identify and describe the role of the French language, family structures, cultural activities and sports, and education across North America and the French-speaking world.
Description
This online French course is aimed at students with little or no knowledge of French and is designed to provide them with basic language skills to enable them to understand and use familiar everyday expressions and basic phrases in everyday situations, provided the person they are addressing speaks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.
Terms
Evaluation
Students will be required to take an on-line test at the beginning and at the end of their course program. The test will not count toward their final mark.
20% - Quizzes (x4)
30% - Tutorials (x4)
5% - Open Conversation
30% - Final Group Presentation
This course has required live sessions (e.g. webinars, synchronous activities). Please consult the Timeline in the first week of class.
Instructor
Textbooks and Materials
ASO reserves the right to make changes to the required material list as received by the instructor before the course starts. Please refer to the Campus Bookstore website at http://www.campusbookstore.com/Textbooks/Search-Engine to obtain the most up-to-date list of required materials for this course before purchasing them.
Required Material
Helpful Hints on Access MyLab through OnQ
A good quality USB headset equipped with a microphone (also available at the Queen’s Bookstore)
All other required and recommended materials will be available through OnQ.
Time Commitment
Success in this type of course relies more on the students' personal efforts than in one delivered in a regular classroom. Since students will be expected to cover a large amount of material and make use of the numerous resources provided on their own, it is important that they pace themselves appropriately to keep up with the different units. Students who are unable to set aside sufficient time to work on the various online course components on a regular basis will have difficulty completing this course satisfactorily. In addition, students may find that they need to work through elements of each unit a number of times in order to perform at an appropriate level. Students can expect to spend an average of 10-12 hours per week (120-144 hours per term) on study/practice and online activity for FREN 106.
Evaluation
Students will be required to take an on-line test at the beginning and at the end of their course program. The test will not count toward their final mark.
20% - Quizzes (x4)
30% - Tutorials (x4)
5% - Open Conversation
30% - Final Group Presentation
Live Sessions
This course has required live sessions (e.g. webinars, synchronous activities). Please consult the Timeline in the first week of class.
Instructor
Textbooks and Materials
ASO reserves the right to make changes to the required material list as received by the instructor before the course starts. Please refer to the Campus Bookstore website at http://www.campusbookstore.com/Textbooks/Search-Engine to obtain the most up-to-date list of required materials for this course before purchasing them.
Required Material
Helpful Hints on Access MyLab through OnQ
A good quality USB headset equipped with a microphone (also available at the Queen’s Bookstore)
All other required and recommended materials will be available through OnQ.
Time Commitment
Success in this type of course relies more on the students' personal efforts than in one delivered in a regular classroom. Since students will be expected to cover a large amount of material and make use of the numerous resources provided on their own, it is important that they pace themselves appropriately to keep up with the different units. Students who are unable to set aside sufficient time to work on the various online course components on a regular basis will have difficulty completing this course satisfactorily. In addition, students may find that they need to work through elements of each unit a number of times in order to perform at an appropriate level. Students can expect to spend an average of 10-12 hours per week (120-144 hours per term) on study/practice and online activity for FREN 106.
Course Resources
About SOLUS
About OnQ
onQ is Queen's online learning platform. You'll log into onQ to access your course. All materials related to your course—notes, readings, videos, recordings, discussion forums, assignments, quizzes, groupwork, tutorials, and help—will be on the onQ site.
About Credit Units
Queen’s courses are weighted in credit units. A typical one-term course is worth 3.0 units, and a typical two-term course is worth 6.0 units. You combine these units to create your degree. A general (three-year) BA or BSc requires a total of 90 credit units.
Computer Requirements
To take an online course, you’ll need a high speed internet connection as well as a microphone and speakers to be able to watch videos, hear sounds, and participate in interactive online activities. A webcam is recommended but not necessary.
System Requirements:
Computer Specifications
- Windows 8.1 or newer
- OSX 10.13 (High Sierra) or newer
- Dual Core 2 GHz processor
- 4 GB RAM
- Soundcard
- USB Headset
- Webcam
Supported Browsers
- Chrome (preferred - latest version)
- Firefox (latest version)
- Safari is not recommended as it causes several known issues in onQ
- Edge is not recommended as it causes several known issues in onQ
Internet Connection
- Wired high speed access: Cable or better
- Wifi is not recommended
Java
- Latest version
Media Player
- Flash (latest version)
Adobe Reader
- Latest Version
Dates/Deadlines
The deadlines for new applications to Queen’s Arts and Science Online courses are in our Upcoming Application Dates section.
Grading Scheme
The information below is intended for undergraduate students in the Faculty of Arts and Science. Academic Regulations in other Faculties may differ.
Letter Grade | Grade Point |
A+ | 4.30 |
A | 4.00 |
A- | 3.70 |
B+ | 3.30 |
B | 3.00 |
B- | 2.70 |
C+ | 2.30 |
C | 2.00 |
C- | 1.70 |
D+ | 1.30 |
D | 1.00 |
D- | 0.70 |
F | 0.00 |
GPA Calculators
Have your SOLUS grade report handy and then follow the link to the Arts and Science GPA calculators.
How does this affect my academics?
See the GPA and Academic Standing page.
Follow the link above for an explanation of how the GPA system affects such things as the Dean’s Honour List, requirements to graduate, and academic progression.
Frequently Asked Questions on the Grading Scheme
Please follow this link to the FAQ's
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees vary depending when you start, your year, faculty, and program. Fees for Summer Term 2018 first-year Distance Career Arts & Science Domestic students are as follows: for a 3.0-unit course, $685.90; for a 6.0-unit course, $1371.80 See also Tuition and Fees.
Campus Bookstore
All textbooks can be purchased at Queen’s Campus Bookstore.
Non-Queen’s Students
All Queen’s Arts and Science Online courses are open to students at other universities. Before applying as a visiting student, request a Letter of Permission from your home university that states that you have permission to take the course and apply it to your degree. See also Apply.
Academic Integrity
Please see Queen’s policy statement on academic integrity for information on how to complete an online course honestly.