Intermediate French Language & Culture
2011 Spring Semester - Academics

Academic Focus

The Intermediate French Language & Culture program at the University of Paris IV - Cours de Civilisation Française de la Sorbonne is designed specifically for students at the high intermediate language level and above who are interested in improving their French language skills while also focusing on the study of French culture and history. Students are exposed to the international university environment of the Sorbonne’s world-renowned French language institute. This program is taught entirely in French and courses are taught according to the traditional French method.

All students will enroll in one language course. Language courses will focus on oral expression, vocabulary development and listening comprehension. The language course consists of two required components: language (cours pratiques) and phonetics. While these components are listed separately on the student's transcript, students must pass both the language and phonetics components to receive credit for the course. Students will also enroll in two electives. Electives are taught in a select number of disciplines, but will help you further expand your language skills while increasing your knowledge of the French culture.

The cours pratiques component of the language course meets for an average of 10 hours per week, or 120 hours total. The phonetics component meets for a total of 25 hours (the hours per week vary). The two components together equal 145 hours, and the course is generally worth 10 credits in the US semester system. Each elective meets for a total of 24 hours during the semester and is generally worth 2 to 3 credits in the US semester system. However, it is up to the student’s home academic advisor to determine how much credit will be awarded.

Program Goals

Through formal and informal learning connected to the host university, city, people and culture; and by applying appropriate cognitive, affective, behavioral, ethical and intercultural tools; students will develop and articulate:

• discipline-based knowledge in the liberal arts and humanities and level-appropriate French language skills for study in these fields;
• analytic insight into salient cultural differences in the host country’s approach to targeted concepts and issues within these fields, all considered within the larger context of globalization and;
• French language and intercultural communication skills.

Schedule Summary

The Cours practiques component meets 5 days a week, Monday thru Friday, for 2 hours a day. The phonetics component meets 5 days a week, Monday thru Friday, for 1 hour a day every other week. Electives meet once a week for 2 hours. Classes may be held in the afternoon or morning and will not be final until students arrive onsite.

Course Registration

Once you arrive in Paris, you will take a placement exam which will determine the level of your French language class and electives available to you. After this exam, registration will take place. To aid in the registration process, it is in your best interest to have courses, including alternates, approved by your academic advisor prior to departure. Note, students who do not test at the high intermediate level or higher may not be allowed to participate in French electives. If this happens, we will work with you to find alternative courses at the Sorbonne or another affiliated institution (additional fees may apply).