Class Descriptions
For more info or to register for classes, call us at 503.223.8388 or email info@afportland.org.
Core Language Instruction
Beginner Core Levels 1-5 uses the Methode Latitudes 1, a new series that is being adopted as a preferred method in some of the largest Alliance networks in the world. Teachers and students work with student text, workbook and audio CD that cover beginning French conversation, verb conjugation, listening and writing. The Level 1 Courseware can be used for all five semesters before transitioning to Level 2 - Intermediate. Latitudes 1 was launched in 2008 by Didier FLE (Français Langue Etrangère) a publisher that is an institutional partner to CIEP (Centre International d’Etudes Pédagogiques). The CIEP oversees standardized testing for the French language (within the French Ministry of Education). With respect to DELF/DALF and the levels recognized by the Cadre Européen Commun de Référence, Latitudes 1 corresponds to A1/A2 (utilisateur élémentaire), and Latitudes 2 reaches into B1 (utilisateur indépendant). These equivalences are for reference purposes. Depending on the level of the students in any given theme-based conversation class at the Alliance, those classes fall in the range of B1 (indépendant) to C1 (expérimenté).
Beginner Core Level 101:
Communication: Greetings, introductions, nationalities and numbers, expressing preferences, tu vs. vous forms of address.
Grammar: Verbs "to be", "to have", " to do" and some "-er" verbs; introduction to pronouns; masculine/ feminine adjectives and articles, possessives, interrogative forms, alphabet, numbers, the partitive, negation with "ne…pas".
Phonetics: Intonation, rhythm, elision, and vowel sounds.
Cultural context: Geography of France, its location in Europe, Francophony, French family life.
Beginner Core Level 102:
Communication: Making a request, inviting, accepting and refusing, telling time, giving your opinion, expressing quantities, foods.
Grammar: Near future using "aller + infinitive", il y a; "Est-ce que" question form, verbs "aller, vouloir, pouvoir, savoir connaître, venir, prendre, finir;" direct object pronouns and the pronoun "en", measurements, introduction to passé composé with avoir; avoir idiomatic expressions."
Phonetics: Final sounds, some consonant sounds, linkage between words, hard c vs. soft c.
Cultural context: French traditions, parties, hobbies; going out to cafés and restaurants, groups; animals.
Beginner Core Level 103:
Communication: Asking and giving directions; reading a map; saying where things are situated, giving commands, speaking about past events, indicating frequency, asking and giving permission, measurements.
Grammar: Passé composé (2) using avoir vs. être; possessive adjectives, imperative, prepositions of place, plaire and faire plaisir; ordinal numbers; furniture in a home; shops and public places in town, relative pronouns, indirect object pronouns, forms of à + definite article, passé compose using "être"; immediate future tense using aller + infinitive; "connaître" versus "savoir", simple future tense.
Phonetics: Pronunciation for questions, vowel sounds.
Cultural context: Gift-giving; architecture; nature.
Beginner Core Level 104:
Communication: Expressing obligation, suggestion, advice; describing a place; timelines; frequency of actions.Grammar: Using "en" in verb constructions with "de"; "quelque chose, rien; quelqu'un, personne", construction of obligation "il faut, devoir"; relative pronouns "qui, que, où", indirect pronoun complements; placement of adjectives; names of cities, countries, continents and their prepositions; pronoun complement "y"; demonstrative adjectives.
Phonetics: Prononciations of "e"; consonant sounds [b] and [v]; utilisation of aigu, grave and circonflexe accents, vowel sounds.
Cultural context: French departments overseas, European Union.
Beginner Core Level 105:
Communication: Describing your day, comparing, speaking of the past/future, quantity, expressing agreement/disagreement; understanding and expressing the weather; describing someone; expressing your wishes; writing a letter and a story.
Grammar: Interrogation with inversion; reflexive pronouns, passé composé (3), imparfait, futur simple, present subjunctive; 4 seasons; parts of body; negations with ne…plus, ne… que and ne….jamais; verbs sortir, partir, quitter; sequence words d'abord, puis, enfin.
Phonetics: Open and closed sounds.
Cultural context: Books, fashion, socitey; francophony, music.
Level 1 Review
This class is a solid review of important structures originally covered in the 5 parts of level 1, through extensive written and oral drills, with an emphasis on communication. The class provides a good review of French for people needing to revisit the language after years of dis-use, or as a review for recent 104/105 grads before they move on to the new content of the 200-series (intermediate).
Intermediate Core Level 201:
Communication: Describing actions in past tense; asking and expressing opinions; comparing; talking about household tasks.
Grammar: Possessive pronouns; comparative and superlative forms; recent past; Subjunctive form (1); interrogatives with inversion; negations.
Phonetics: Vowel sounds.
Cultural context: French music, art and culture, advertisements etc.
Intermediate Core Level 202:
Communication: Describing past circumstances; comforting and expressing worry; expressing joy, anger and dissatisfaction; renting an apartment; expressing frequency; expressing a retroactive event.
Grammar: Use of imparfait in background circumstances; le plus-que-parfait; use of gerunds; double object pronouns; using subjunctive to express purpose.
Phonetics: Pronunciation of présent, passé composé, imparfait.
Cultural context: Modern evolution; differences and discrimination; urban and rural settings.
Intermediate Core Level 203:
Communication: Expressions of certainty and obligation, making suggestions, making polite requests.
Grammar: Subjunctive (3), conditionnel present, passive voice, si clauses, pronoun "dont".
Phonetics: sounds s, z, n, m, k, g.
Cultural context: Good manners, public transportation, grand causes.
Intermediate Core Level 204:
Communication: Justifying a choice; expressing opposition; talking on the phone; expressing surprise; organizing a speech.
Grammar: Demonstrative pronouns, interrogative pronouns; formation of adverbs; depuis + present tense; ce qui vs. ce que.
Phonetics: Sounds r, l, j, v,w.
Cultural context: Vocabulary pertaining to the work environment, modern tendencies; on sale!
Review CX Level 2
This class is a solid review of important structures originally covered in the 4 parts of level 2, through extensive written and oral drills, with an emphasis on communication. The class provides a good review of French for people needing to revisit the language after years of dis-use, or as a review for recent 104 grads before they move on to the new content of Connexions 300-series (intermediate).
Advanced Core Level 300 Series:
301: Module 1, Unités 1 - 3:
Les temps passés: l'imparfait, le passé compose, le plus-que-parfait; les nuances de sens des adjectives; la description d'une personne/d'un lieu; le discours direct; les mots de la langue courante ; le subjonctif vs. l'indicatif ; le passé simple
302: Module 2, Unités 4 - 6 :
La cause et la conséquence ; le participe présent ; le vocabulaire de la peur ; formation et emplois de conditionnel ; vocabulaire du conseil ; vocabulaire utile à la critique de spectacles ; vocabulaire de la description psychologique d'une personne ; le conditionnel passé ; le doute, la probabilité, et la certitude ; le gérondif ; vocabulaire du regret, du reproche
303: Module 3, Unités 7 - 8 :
Vocabulaire de l'économie et de l'organisation politique ; les dérivés de porter ; les articulateurs de conséquence, d'opposition-concession, d'énumération ; les adjectifs et pronoms indéfinis ; les verbes pronominaux aux temps composés et l'accord du participe passé
304: Module 4, Unités 9 - 10
Qui…que, quoi…que, où…que, quel…que ; les pronoms relatifs composés ; le vocabulaire du monde du travail ; le futur antérieur (formation et emploi) ; la construction infinitive et la place de l'infinitif ; le vocabulaire du rire et de la tristesse
305: Module 5
Le subjonctif et les conjugaisons irrégulières; la forme passive; les pronoms démonstratifs et interrogatifs; la formation des adverbes; les articulateurs du discours; le discours direct/rapporté; le passé simple
Themed Conversation Classes Offered This Term
These classes are for students ranging from low intermediate to advanced and involve extensive class discussion, tout en français around a theme such as a novel, selected texts/literature, viewing and discussing excerpts from TV programs, current events or theatrical improvisation. Texts/books may be recommended for these classes, on a case by case basis.
The following classes are scheduled for the Spring 2010 term. See the Classes at a Glance page for times and dates.
Beginners Conversation Group
Have you always wanted to join a conversation group, but have been too shy? This course provides an environment wherein beginners may work on their French conversation skills, accompanied by a teacher to help facilitate conversation, assist in grammar and prononciation, and answer any questions that may arise. (Recommended pre-requisite: 102 or equivalent)
Sounding French - Accent and Intonation
Are you happy with your reading and comprehension but wish you could speak with more authority and confidence? Then this class is for you. Learn to avoid the traps that ensnare Americans. Practice getting the right nasals, just the right "u" versus "ou," and more. Use songs, poems, discussion and role-playing games to aid in pronunciation and intonation and increase your vocabulary. (Recommended pre-requisite: 104 level)
Le Français "In" Workshop
This special workshop (generally 6 hours on a Saturday), focuses on modern-day French language as used in informal situations in everyday life: on the terrasses of cafes, at the movies, and in popular music. Students will practice using popular expressions (slang) and learn how to decode the different registres of the French language. Covers common idiomatic expressions that use animals and vegetables; evaluates the argot used in popular songs; interjections and onomatopées; passages of a play; passages of a polar; words of Arabic origins adopted into today's parlance; and recommended Internet-based resources. For levels A2/B1.
Culture et Conversation - TV5Monde
Ce cours s'inspire de la riche documentation en ligne de la chaîne culturelle internationale TV5Monde. Les discussions permettent de suivre l'actualité internationale "à chaud" vue par un grand média français. Les discussions permettent aux participants de se perfectionner et de mieux comprendre la vie courante des Français et leur vision du monde. (Recommended pre-requisite: 202 level)
Culture et Conversation 1 - La France contemporaine (première partie)
Ce cours explore tout ce qui fait de la France ce qu'elle est aujourd'hui: son histoire et sa géographie, sa langue, sa vie politique, sociale et culturelle, ses traditions régionales, sa place dans l'Europe et dans le monde. Les discussions permettent d'acquérir un vocabulaire varié, de découvrir des expressions courantes, et de partager nos recherches au moyen d'exposés par les participants. Texte du cours: "La France contemporaine". (Recommended pre-requisite: 202 level)
Légendes et Traditions de France
Go on a Tour de France through a study of its legends and traditions! For the Spring term, the class will focus on the Auvergne and Berry regions. Throughout the terms, the class covers ten French provinces, such as Provence, Languedoc, Poitou, and more. Read and discuss ancient legends transcribed into contemporary French, as well as excerpts of classical authors from the area of study. Explore some regional dishes & cuisines - try some recipes! - and survey each region's geography. Improve your conversational skills in a relaxed and encouraging atmosphere. A great class if you plan to travel in France and enjoy its rich past! (Recommended pre-requisite: 202 level; materials provided in class.)
Conversation et lecture facile
This "easy reading" class will read and discuss the book "Le Petit Prince" by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, wherein you will discover "le secret le plus important de la vie"! (Recommended pre-requisite: 203)
Littérature et Conversation: L'Auvergne et le Berry
This course is the continuation of the Winter term Littérature et conversation course in which we read classical texts and legends of Provence and Corsica. During the spring term, the readings will concentrate on the Auvergne and Berry areas, while focusing on the writings of 19th century French writer George Sand, as well as the Romantic-era musicans and writers who surrounded her: Schubert, Liszt and Alfred de Musset. Explore parts of Berry and the mysterious Auvergne. Expand your vocabulary and apply grammatical rules learned in class, improve your conversational skills through oral presentations, and discussions. Material will be provided in class. (recommended pro-requisite: 202 level)
Les actualités
Develop your French language skills while keeping in touch with current events! This advanced class will focus on current events from the francophone world. Articles, Websites, short clips, will be used to enrich discussions. (Recommended pre-requisite: 301 level)
Le cinéma français - l'humour
(Recommended pre-requisite: 301 or equiv.)
Littérature et Conversation / Book Discussion
These classes center around reading and discussion of a book; book focus changes each term. Before each class the students are asked to read a chapter or two of the book (usually 10-25 pages). The class time includes asking and answering questions about the book, about the author and the theme. Intermixed are grammar refreshers as needed, reading aloud for pronunciation, and analysis of complementary media (for example, the film adaptation of a book). Winter 2010 book was Séraphine : La vie rêvée de Séraphine de Senlis. The fall 2009 books were from the author Amélie Nothomb: "Le sabotage amoureux" et "Stupeur et tremblements". Past book selections include contemporary French novels such as L'homme aux cercles bleus de Fred Vargas, L’Amant de Marguerite Duras and the Georges Simenon books (Inspecteur Maigret and several Camus titles. (Recommended pre-requisite: 303-level)
Classes for Adolescents/Teens
Club Ados
French club for pre-teens (ages 10-13): For children fluent in French (from French at home or French in immersion programs): "Club français pour ados," an after-school class for fluent French-speaking children of middle-school age seeking an extra-curricular, after-school opportunity to use the language in themed contexts such as games, photography, cuisine, film and more, and coordinated by native-fluent instructors.
Conv/Jeunes for High Schoolers
This course is designed to assist middle-advanced high school students (ages 13-17) in their ability to effectively communicate in spoken French. This will be achieved through a systematic thematic study around an agreed upon topic, where each week, we will explore, present, and discuss a facet surrounding the topic. This will include reading contemporary sources such as newspapers and articles, as well as more historical sources, such as philosophical texts and diverse forms of French literature, and the visual arts. This course is highly participatory and is designed as an opportunity for students to creatively contextualize their experience from class-room grammar studies. Réservée aux lycéens, cette classe a pour objectif de mettre en pratique et d'enrichir ses connaissances en français par la conversation. Les élèves auront l'occasion dès la première séance de choisir le thème qui sera filé au fur et à mesure des 10 semaines ; et chaque séance suivante se focalisera sur des divers aspects du sujet proposé. Les élèves seront encouragés, lors de ces conversations, d'exprimer ses propres idées en termes clairs, tout en reconnaissant la perspective les uns les autres, dans le but d'améliorer et de cultiver sa compréhension et son expression orales en français.
Club français pour ados
Beginning French for Adolescents
For children learning French for the first time: the after-school program Beginning French for adolescents (ages 11-13)introduces vocab, grammar and phonetics in an age-appropriate format. -->
Private Tutoring for High-Schoolers
Alliance teachers are available to help high-schoolers in after-school private lessons, for assistance in French classes from Beginner through Honors and AP level. Teachers are also certified DELF DALF examiners and can assist in preparing students for the standardized exams.
French for Travelers - Beginners and Near Beginners
This class is targeted for beginning or near-beginning students who are planning a trip to France or a French speaking country in the next few months. The class will focus on teaching the daily skills needed to travel, order food, read signs, understand written directions and other skills that are so useful for the traveler.
Intermediate and Advanced Conversation Classes
Classes à theme/Conversation Classes
TV5/Soluble dans l'air (SODA) – Intermediate and Advanced
This class centers around the "dissection" of short contemporary interviews extracted from TV programs such as TV5's Soluble dans l'air (SODA). The class studies the vocabulary, the context and the central figures of the programs. NOTE: Students do NOT need access to TV5 at home - the teacher tapes the programming.
Class work involves discussion, analysis, viewing, listening, reading and discussion. Intermixed with the TV5 sessions will also be some discussion of current events from other media, including the press or print media.
Sept Jours sur la Planète/TV5 Monde - High Beginner to Advanced
These are some of our most popular and enduring classes, taught by Nathalie Gerts. Curriculum is built around short clips from TV5 Monde contemporary programming, the show “Sept Jours sur la Planète.” This class is taught at different times for different levels.
Women in French Feminist Movement – Reading and Discussion - Intermediate to Advanced
Reading and discussion of select essays on the history of women in France and the feminist movement; the politics and history around the women who bucked the system and paved the way for expanded roles for women, perhaps even as President
DELF/DALF Preparatory Classes (new)
This is a new B1/B2 preparatory class, taught by Oana Talpalaru who is a certified DELF/DALF examiner.
Better Communication through Games - Intermediate
In this class you’ll have fun learning and practicing oral French, simulating real situations (sight-seeing, getting around, dining, etc.) with interactive role plays. There will be an emphasis on key phrases and vocabulary for communicating in every-day situations. Suitable for high beginners to pre-intermediate students who would like to practice and further develop their language skills with exciting group activities. Instructor: Emilie Nagel.
Textes Faciles (new) - Mid to High Beginners
A study of texts on French personnages, including grammar, dictées and pronunciation.
French Film - “Eclats de Rire” Series – Intermediate and Advanced
Based on the NW Film Center “Eclats de Rire” series, this class for intermediate and advanced students will focus on French film. The class will introduce terminology of filmmaking, a brief history of French film, and will include lessons developed around the themes of the French films featured in the humorous "éclats de rire" film series: Les Bronzés, Les Visiteurs, Gazon Maudit, La Chèvre, Liberté-Oléon, Bernie, Tanguy et Le Père Noël est une ordure. Curriculum will be be primarily classroom based but will include a group field trip to see one of the movies presented by the NW Film Center. Additionally students of this class will receive discounted tickets to all the films in the series.
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