Course Descriptions & Registration

Level 1 Quarter 3

This beginning course introduces students to the essentials of the French language and culture. Learn practical vocabulary, key verbs in present, immediate future and past tense; how to form questions; and communicate effectively in typical situations encountered by travelers.

Level 1 - Review

This beginning course introduces students to the essentials of the French language and culture. Learn practical vocabulary, key verbs in present, immediate future and past tense; how to form questions; and communicate effectively in typical situations encountered by travelers.

Level 2 - Review

Learn more extensive vocabulary, how to use and distinguish between the past and imperfect tenses. Study the necessary grammar to easily use more complex sentence structures and communicate in a variety
of challenging everyday situations. Interesting cultural topics will also be discussed.

Level 2 - Prêt-à-Parler

This course is complementary to the group level classes. Students improve their verbal expression and practice using vocabulary, all while reinforcing key points from the group level classes and keeping up to date on happenings in France. (Level 2 of 3 Levels)

Level 3 - Review

This level introduces the future, conditional and subjunctive tenses. Increased vocabulary, including more idioms, coupled with advanced grammar structure enables students to communicate with greater ease upon completion of this course. Interesting cultural topics will also be discussed.

Level 3 - Prêt-à-Parler

This course is complementary to the group level classes. Students improve their verbal expression and practice using vocabulary, all while reinforcing key points from the group level classes and keeping up to date on happenings in France. (Level 2 of 3 Levels).

Level 4 - Review

This is a review class for the 2 year grammar course, ideal for students looking for the next progressive step to perfect their language skills. While Level 4 is different from previous levels, it builds on concepts learned in Levels 1, 2 and 3. Students acquire complex grammar structures and improve both oral and written expression. A text is required.

Level 4 Conversation

Taken after completion of, or during, current enrollment in Level 4 Grammar.

Using current events and cultural topics, students will put the grammar concepts learned in Level 4 into practice. This is an intermediate conversation course, designed to advance students’ listening comprehension, and expand students’ vocabulary and awareness of contemporary French and Francophone culture.

Level 4 Advanced Conversation

Using current events and cultural topics, students will put the grammar concepts learned in Level 4 into practice. This is an intermediate conversation course, designed to advance students’ listening comprehension, and expand students’ vocabulary and awareness of contemporary French and Francophone culture.

Level 5 Conversation

Using newspaper and magazine articles, and televised news as a starting point for discussion about contemporary French culture, this advanced conversation class expands students’ vocabulary and repertoire of idiomatic expressions, improves students’ listening comprehension and refines verbal expression.

Levels 5/6 Advanced Grammar

This is an advanced grammar course for students who already have a strong command of the French language and want to fine-tune their speech. This class reviews common mistakes made by English speakers that distinguish them as non-native French speakers. Please note this is not a conversation class, however oral exercises will be used throughout the quarter. A text is required.

Levels 5/6 Literature

Les Malheurs de Sophie by Comtesse de Ségur is a popular French children’s literature classic. Sophie lives with her parents and various servants in a château in the French country side. She frequently has visits from her cousin Paul, but rarely sees her two friends, Camille and Madeleine, who are admired because they are “good little girls.” Sadly, everything that Sophie does goes wrong and elicits a sermon from her mother. Each of the 22 chapters reveals a new misfortune in which Sophie is entangled. Without any guidance, Sophie discovers the world in her own way and suffers the consequences.

(Price includes book and sales tax)

Level 6 Conversation

Using newspaper and magazine articles and televised news as a starting point for discussion about contemporary French culture, this advanced conversation class expands students’ vocabulary and repertoire of idiomatic expressions, improves students’ listening comprehension and refines verbal expression.