Academic Focus
The Language and Culture program at Stendhal University – Grenoble 3 offered during the summer is designed for students who already have some background in French and are at the intermediate level or above. The program is most appropriate for students interested in improving their French language skills while increasing their knowledge about French culture and history as well. The program is 4-weeks in length and is offered in the months of July and August.
Students will enroll in one language course and two electives. The language course focuses on oral expression, vocabulary development, phonetics and listening comprehension. Electives are offered in a variety of subject areas related to the history, culture and art of France. All electives are designed to help you further expand your language skills while increasing your knowledge of the French culture.
The language course meets for a total of 40 contact hours and is generally worth 3 credits in the US semester system. Each elective meets for 20 hours and is generally worth 1 credit in the US semester system. The entire 4-week program is made of up 80 hours and is generally worth 5 credits in the US semester system. Note, it is up to the discretion of your academic advisor how much credit will be awarded. If you enroll in consecutive summer sessions, you will be tested at the end of each session and may move up to a higher level at the beginning of your next program. This allows students not only to earn credits for multiple language levels, but also to master a variety of French language concepts in a short amount of time.
Schedule Summary
Language and elective courses meet Monday through Friday and class times vary. A student’s individual schedule will not be finalized until registration takes place onsite. Students should expect to be in class 20 hours per week (10 hours spent in language classes and 10 hours spent in elective classes).
Course Registration
You will begin your session with a placement exam. You will be placed in a language class with other students of your own language level. You will then select electives from a list of electives taught at your particular language level. Students will only be able to select electives taught at their particular language level, and they can only choose electives that do not conflict with the time of the language class. Timetables will be shared during the first week of school. Students who do not test at the intermediate level or higher will not be allowed to participate and will be moved into the Intensive Language program (additional fees apply). In order to ensure that you receive credit for the level that you place into, it is in your best interest to have courses at several levels approved by your academic advisor prior to departure.
