Controverses by Larbi Oukada, et al (review)

students to discuss and analyze Herbert’s perspective on the Francophone populations in the United States. Canisius College (NY) Eileen M. Angelini OUKADA, LARBI, DIDIER BERTRAND, and JANET SOLBERG. Controverses. 2nd ed. Boston: Heinle, 2012. ISBN 0495797774. Pp. 304. $75. Versatility distinguishes this intermediate-level program with numerous options for teaching and learning. The text and Student Activities Manual (SAM) contain eight chapters and a chapitre préliminaire, each organized into nine sections accentuating vocabulary and reflection. Critical thinking boasts a prominent role in Controverses. The program structure, which allows students to give initial thoughts, read, reflect, react, and then ask questions and debate, is very effective. The topics are provocative and multicultural. Students must exit their comfort zones to examine both sides of controversial issues and how the French treat them, to synthesize ideas through comparative thinking, and to draw contrasts from their experiences as Americans. The Hegelian-style “Rédaction guidée” also offers an intellectual and rhetorical challenge. This style does not resemble the American educational system’s standard partisan essays, as the authors emphasize. By applying Hegel’s thèse/antithèse/synthèse process, students explore topics globally, strengthen critical thinking skills by scrutinizing the validity of arguments, and are encouraged to look beyond opposing perspectives to propose solutions that consider multiple viewpoints. Various packages include supplements like audio programs and a premium Web site. New to the second edition, the site provides access to text and SAM audio programs, auto-graded vocabulary and grammar quizzes, flashcards, cultural Internet activities, podcasts, tutorials, and a glossary. This abundance offers multiple possibilities for course design. With its short articles and literary excerpts that facilitate reading comprehension, expand vocabulary, and accommodate grammar review, Controverses is a logical choice for an intermediate II language course; however, instructors could adopt the text for conversation courses or even more advanced content-focused classes on contemporary France. The variety of textbook activities caters to and can be adapted for intermediate and advanced learners. In addition to the Web site for which students purchase an access code, the second edition features contextualized “Liens grammaticaux” in the textbook, a useful section lacking in the first edition. It equips instructors who wish to focus less on written grammar and more on oral proficiency with reference points to keep students mindful of key grammar concepts and usage. Efforts have also been made to produce stronger thematic links between the text and the SAM. Moreover, some content has been replaced: The first edition chapter on reality TV now discusses technology, while the tabagisme theme has been replaced by the Islamic headscarf controversy. Half of the readings from the first edition have also been replaced by updated selections, and seven other previous readings have been rewritten. Still, the relative rate with which information can become outdated from the time the authors revise the text to its publication date presents a challenge. Since the text treats recent developments and ever-evolving perspectives in French 1222 FRENCH REVIEW 85.6 society like the banning of the headscarf in schools, immigration, and current political leaders and party platforms, it is certainly vulnerable to this. For instance, Sarkozy was elected president just after the publication of the first edition, which cited Chirac as the President of France. In like manner, the second edition labels Jean-Marie Le Pen as the president of the Front national, whereas he has since retired and passed the torch to his daughter, Marine Le Pen. On the one hand, this is not a bad thing: It provides opportunities for further discussion, thereby enhancing learning. On the other hand, it may spur some instructors to skip chapters with outdated information or previous controversial themes that are no longer relevant. Nevertheless, along with its structure and rich multimedia supplements , the content of Controverses embodies a significant strength. Students thrive intellectually when given the chance to think critically about another culture and cognitively when they do this in another language. Ultimately, Controverses helps produce globally aware citizens, a goal to which all teachers should aspire. Elon University (NC) Sarah Glasco STILLMAN, DAVID, and RONNI GORDON. The Ultimate French Review and Practice: Mastering French Grammar for Confident Communication, Audio CD Edition...