La Révolution Française

ACRSS • Dr. Pierre Sabbagh • Core French 12

Jan 7 - Jan 21, 2026

Travail en équipe (paires)

Présentation: 15-20 minutes

BC Core French 12 Curriculum Competencies

This project aligns with the following British Columbia Core French 12 curriculum competencies:

Communication

Exchange ideas and information using French in a variety of contexts
Present information and ideas in French on a variety of topics
Negotiate meaning in a variety of contexts

Cultural Context

Recognize how Francophone history and culture shape contemporary society
Analyze cultural practices, perspectives, and products of French-speaking communities
Make connections between Francophone cultures and their own

Critical Thinking

Analyze and interpret information from various sources
Develop and express opinions supported by evidence
Make connections between historical events and contemporary issues

Language Competencies

Apply language-learning strategies to improve proficiency
Use a variety of vocabulary and sentence structures
Demonstrate understanding of French grammar in context

Project Objectives

🎯

Bilingual Historical Exploration

In pairs, you will create a 15-20 minute presentation on specific aspects of the French Revolution. This project integrates historical understanding with French language application, promoting both linguistic and cultural competencies.

Part 1: English

Research & Script
Historical analysis and content development

Part 2: French

Summary & Presentation
Language application and oral communication

French Revolution Timeline (Key Events)

Understanding key events will provide context for your chosen topics:

May 5, 1789

Estates-General Convened

King Louis XVI calls the Estates-General to address financial crisis, leading to the formation of the National Assembly.

June 20, 1789

Tennis Court Oath

Members of the Third Estate pledge not to disband until a new constitution is established.

July 14, 1789

Storming of the Bastille

Parisian revolutionaries storm the Bastille fortress, a symbol of royal tyranny.

August 26, 1789

Declaration of Rights

The National Assembly adopts the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen.

1793-1794

Reign of Terror

Period of violence led by Robespierre's Committee of Public Safety, resulting in thousands of executions.

Project Instructions

Step 1: Choose Your Topic (Pairs)

Select TWO of the following topics for your research:

The Three Estates

The Three Estates system and the Causes of the Revolution.

Social Structure

Key Figures

The Roles of King Louis XVI, Marie Antoinette, and Maximilien Robespierre.

Biography

A Day in the Life

Contrasting the Lives of the Peasantry vs. the Nobility before 1789.

Social History

Symbolism

The Meaning of the Tricolour Flag, the Phrygian Cap, and La Marseillaise.

Cultural Symbols

Major Events

The Storming of the Bastille and the March on Versailles.

Historical Events

The Catholic Church

The Church's position before, during, and after the Revolution.

Religion

Ethics & Justice

A Catholic look at moral questions like violence, justice, and dignity.

Ethics

Enlightenment Ideas

How Enlightenment philosophy influenced revolutionary thinking.

Philosophy

Step 2: Research & Write Your Script

Using reliable sources, write a detailed, informative script in English (documentary narration style).

Introduction: Hook the audience, state your topic.
3 Main Points: Explain your topic with facts, dates, and key terms.
Conclusion: Summarize why this aspect was important.

Catholic Reflection Questions to Consider:
How did ideas of liberty/equality align with faith? What moral lessons can we learn about human dignity? How did faith influence the people involved? How do Catholic social teachings help us evaluate revolutionary actions?

Step 3: Using Your Personal AI Agent

Responsible AI Use Policy

Do not have AI write your entire script. You must understand and explain all content yourself. AI should be used as a tool for research assistance, language support, and idea generation—not content creation.

For Research

Ask: "Explain the Three Estates in simple terms." or "What were the main causes of the French Revolution?"

For French Help

Ask: "How do I say 'This led to fear'?" or "Check my grammar." or "Provide vocabulary related to revolution."

For Ethics & Catholic Perspective

Ask: "What would Catholic teaching say about this violence?" or "How does Catholic social teaching evaluate the Revolution?"

Step 4: Create the French Summary & Present

French Language Application

This is the core of your French task. From your English script, you will prepare two things:

A "French Summary" Script: A shorter version (enough for 3-4 minutes of speaking) written in French. You will read/perform this during your presentation.

A List of French Expressions: You must naturally include the provided list of French vocabulary in your summary.

Catholic Connection: Include at least one sentence in your French summary that connects your topic to a Catholic value (like human dignity, justice, or forgiveness).

Required French Expressions

You must include these expressions naturally in your French summary:

Catégorie	Expression	Traduction
Connexeurs	Tout d'abord, Ensuite, Enfin, De plus, Cependant, Donc,	First, Next, Finally, Furthermore, However, Therefore,
Noms Clés	la Révolution française, la monarchie, la république, L'égalité, la liberté, la fraternité, le peuple, les droits, la guillotine,	the French Revolution, the monarchy, the republic, equality, liberty, fraternity, the people, the rights, the guillotine,
Verbes	a commencé, a protesté, a demandé, a abouti à, a pris fin,	began, protested, demanded, led to, ended,
Phrases Utiles	À cause de…, En raison de…, Par exemple, D'un côté… de l'autre côté…, C'était un événement majeur. Cela a changé la société pour toujours.	Because of…, Due to…, For example, On one hand… on the other hand…, It was a major event. This changed society forever.
Catholic Values	La dignité humaine, la solidarité, le bien commun, La justice sociale, la compassion, La réconciliation, le pardon	human dignity, solidarity, the common good, social justice, compassion, reconciliation, forgiveness

Presentation Tips:

Practice your French pronunciation with your partner
Use visual aids (slides, images) to support your French presentation
Speak clearly and confidently - minor errors are expected at this level
Divide the French speaking time equally with your partner

Catholic Values Integration

This project integrates Catholic Social Teaching and values, encouraging reflection on moral and ethical dimensions of historical events:

Human Dignity

Every person is created in the image of God and has inherent dignity. How was human dignity respected or violated during the Revolution?

CST Principle

Social Justice

Society must ensure fair treatment and equitable distribution of resources. How did the Revolution address or fail to address social inequalities?

CST Principle

Peace & Reconciliation

Violence begets violence; true change comes through dialogue and respect. Could the Revolution's goals have been achieved through non-violent means?

Reflection

Solidarity

We are one human family regardless of national, racial, or class differences. How did the Revolution both unite and divide the French people?

CST Principle

Compassion & Mercy

Even in times of conflict, we are called to show compassion. Where do we see examples of mercy or its absence during the Revolution?

Virtue

Moral Discernment

Historical analysis requires ethical reflection. How do we evaluate the moral complexity of revolutionary actions from a Catholic perspective?

Critical Thinking

Assessment: Single-Point Rubrics

Student presentations took place on January 19 and January 21. The final group, due to scheduling constraints, will present next week. The I‑statements included in this rubric will be provided to students electronically at a later stage to support self‑assessment, reflection, and goal‑setting.

BC Curriculum Competencies	Teacher Single-Point Rubric	Performance Description	Percentages	Students I‑Statements
In English Acquiring information; interpreting texts; explaining ideas clearly.	English Research Script (Historical Accuracy & Understanding)	• Thorough, accurate, insightful research. • Clear organization. • Strong historical understanding.	30%	• I can explain my topic with depth and accuracy. • I can show how causes, events, and impacts connect. • I can organize my script so ideas flow logically.
Communicating clearly; adjusting speech; engaging audience.	Oral Presentation Skills	• Confident, Clear, engaging delivery. • Strong pacing and pronunciation.	30%	• I can speak clearly and confidently. • I can engage my audience. • I can pronounce French words accurately.
Presenting information; using visuals effectively.	Visual Presentation (Slides)	• Clear, Visually strong slides. • Excellent use of images. • Supports oral presentation.	20%	• I can design slides that help my audience understand my topic. • I can choose images that support my ideas.
Exploring cultural perspectives; ethical reflection; connecting learning to values.	Cultural & Ethical Understanding (Historical + Catholic Values)	• Insightful explanation of cultural, historical, and Catholic perspectives.	5% Bonus	• I can explain how my topic connects to culture, society, and Catholic values. • I can reflect on justice, dignity, or compassion with insight.
Ethical use of tools; collaboration; academic integrity.	Responsible Use of AI & Collaboration	• Fully ethical, transparent AI use. • Excellent teamwork.	10%	• I can use AI responsibly to support my learning. • I can document my AI use clearly. • I can contribute equally to my group.
in French Expressing ideas with increasing fluency; using vocabulary and structures; narrating events.	French Summary (Language Use, Grammar, Vocabulary, Fluency)	• Clear, accurate, fluent French; strong pronunciation. • Excellent use of required vocabulary and connectors.	40%	• I can communicate my ideas clearly in French. • I can use required vocabulary naturally. • I can speak with confidence and good pronunciation.
Common vocabulary; sequencing; expressing opinions.	Required Vocabulary & Connectors	All required expressions used correctly and naturally.	40%	• I can use all required expressions in a way that makes sense and improves my summary.

Self-Assessment: "I Can" Statements

Category	Weight	Standards for Meeting Expectations
Your project will be evaluated using single-point rubrics that clearly define the standards for meeting expectations. Each rubric includes space for teacher feedback on areas needing improvement and areas exceeding standards. Try it now!
Historical Accuracy & Research	30%	Accurate, well-researched information from reliable sources Clear understanding of historical context and significance Effective connections between causes, events, and impacts Proper citation of sources and evidence Demonstrates analytical thinking about historical importance
French Language Use	40%	Clear pronunciation and comprehensible speech Effective use of required vocabulary and transition words Appropriate sentence structures with minor errors only Confident delivery without reading verbatim Demonstrates Core French 12 language proficiency
Visual Presentation	20%	Visually appealing, well-organized design Relevant, high-quality images that enhance understanding Slides effectively support and complement oral presentation Balanced use of text and visuals Professional appearance appropriate for academic context
Responsible AI & Teamwork	10%	Ethical AI use with proper documentation Equal participation and effective collaboration with partner Understanding of AI limitations and appropriate use as learning tool Original work with AI assistance properly acknowledged Demonstrates responsible digital citizenship
Catholic Perspective (Bonus)	Bonus 5%	Clear connection to Catholic values and social teaching Thoughtful analysis of moral dimensions of historical events Effective integration of faith perspective with historical analysis Meaningful reflection on human dignity, justice, and ethics Demonstrates understanding of Catholic worldview in historical context

Self-Assessment Progress

Track your progress by checking off the "I Can" statements above. Aim to achieve at least 80% of statements before your final presentation.

Overall Progress

Historical Understanding

French Skills

Catholic Values

Recommended Resources

Use these reliable sources for your research or you can ask you Personal AI Agent. He is well informed!!

The French Revolution (Britannica)

Comprehensive overview with timelines

Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy

Enlightenment influences on Revolution

Catholic Encyclopedia

Catholic perspective on the Revolution

French National Archives

Primary documents and images