Lesson Plan: Maximes by La Rochefoucauld

Areas of interaction: Approaches to Learning - Health and Society

Subject : Language A French, Theory Of Knowledge

Grade: 9th Language A French

Estimate of time required: 3 periods

Sources:

La Rochefoucauld : Maximes 1665-1678 (extracts)

Objectives:

This lesson is an introduction to La Rochefoucauld's best known work, which is a collection of thoughts ("maximes") on topics such as virtue, desire, self-esteem, society or interpersonal relations.

Outline:

1 - A sample of few "maximes" is given to the students. The sample may include, whether several "maximes" on the same topic or, at the contrary, "maximes" appealing for a commentary on miscellaneous topics. We first make sure that keywords are well understood ("intérêt" for instance, means both "curiosity" and "greed" in French ; obviously, a sentence is entirely different whether you consider the first or the second meaning). A quick appreciation on each sentence is asked to the students in order to make sure that they're familiar with the general meaning of each of the "maximes" provided.. (Approaches to Learning)

2 - Each student picks-up one "maxime" that he or she is willing to analyse and to comment for 1 to 2 minutes in front of the class. Everyone who feels like adding something is welcome to do so. After each discussion, we will ask ourselves if La Rochefoucauld's viewpoint is still relevant at describing emotional, moral and intellectual questions of our time. We'll point out the cultural differences. (Health and Society)

3 - As La Rochefoucauld constantly edited his Maximes between 1665 and 1678, we have sometimes up to 5 versions of the same thought. By comparing different states of the same idea, we learn few tips about style and about the impact of the expression. Students are asked to think about their own writing in a way they may improve their communicative skills. (Approaches to Learning)

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