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 1-4 uses the Methode Connexions 1, a new series that is fast becoming the primary French language-learning tool at Alliances worldwide. 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 four semesters before transitioning to Level 2 - Intermediate. Connexions was launched in 2006 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, Connexions 1 corresponds to A1/A2 (utilisateur élémentaire), Connexions 2 reaches into B1 (utilisateur indépendant) and Connexions 3 takes students through level B1. 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 simple 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, French television.
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, boire, payer;" 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, going-out at cafés and restaurants, French meals.
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.
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 articlePassé compose using "être"; immediate future tense using aller + infinitive. "Connaître" versus "Savoir", simple future tense.
Phonetics: Pronunciation for questions, vowel sounds.
Cultural context: French games, recycling, songs.
Beginner Core Level 104:
Communication: Describing your day, comparing, speaking of the future, 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); futur simple, present subjunctive; 4 seasons; parts of body; negations with ne…plus, ne… que and ne….jamais; verb sortir; sequence words d'abord, puis, enfin.
Phonetics: Open and closed sounds.
Cultural context: Books and reading, francophonie. Life in 50 years.
Review CX Level 1
This class is a solid review of important structures originally covered in the 4 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 grads before they move on to the new content of Connexions 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!
Advanced Core Level 300 Series:
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
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
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
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
Themed Conversation Classes
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. Note: not all themed classes are offered every term; check the class list for availability.
TravelExpress
All aboard the TGV of "survival French"! This 20-hour workshop is designed as a quick prep course for those heading to France on vacation, business, or planning to take our immersion course in the Loire Valley… or simply as a warm-up before enrolling in a ten-week class. The course will cover the basics, such as greetings, introductions, finding your way through French roads and French menus. It will cover all kinds of situations: at the hotel, train station, museum and post office. Learn how to count and deal with kilometers, centigrades, military time and euros. Special emphasis on basic pronunciation and comprehension. (Recommended pre-requisite:101 level)
Accent & Intonation (Sounding French)
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)
Vocabulaire et Phonétique
If you already have a basic foundation (high beginner or low intermediate) in French and want to tackle an intense class to enrich your vocabulary and improve your pronunciation, this class is for you. (Recommended pre-requisite: 104 level)
Culture and Colloquialisms
Explore the French language through proverbs and idiomatic expressions, cultural discussions, and a study of colloquialisms and connotative meanings. Develop your proficiency to communicate spontaneously on a wide range of topics using colloquial or formal French. (Recommended pre-requisite: 104 level)
Grammaire en dialogues
This course allows students to refresh their knowledge of French through monologues and scenarios, improvisation, work presentations, readings, tape recordings, role-playing, discussions in small groups and class debates. Includes reviewing all the tenses from present, passé composé, futur proche, futur simple, imparfait, adverbes, to the direct, indirect, en and y pronouns, the relative pronouns qui, que, où, dont. Topics include work, family, friends, and daily situations. Targeted to the student who is a solid beginner (having taken most of the material in the CX 100-level classes) and wishes to review basic grammar concepts before moving to high-beginner or low intermediate level classes.(Recommended pre-requisite: 104 level). An advanced class is also offered (301 level).
Légendes et Traditions de France 1
Go on a Tour de France through a study of its legends and traditions. The class covers ten French provinces, such as Provence, Languedoc, Poitou, and more (one "province" per week). Read and discuss ancient legends transcribed into contemporary French and explore some traditions typical to each area: La Fête de l'ours (The Bear Festival), for instance, originated in the Pyrénées mountains of Languedoc-Roussillon. Learn about regional dishes and cheeses-try some recipes-and survey each region's geography and history. A great class if you plan to travel in France and enjoy its rich past! (Recommended pre-requisite: 202 level)
Poésie et Conversation
Each week will offer the opportunity to discover a different French poet, and to read, study and discuss one of their poems. Perfect for students who are looking for a fun alternative to review grammar and vocabulary, this class will also improve one's speaking skills by studying rhymes, rhythm and discussing art. (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)
Culture et Conversation 2 - La France contemporaine (deuxième partie)
Suite de la première partie. (Recommended pre-requisite: 202 level)
Culture et Conversation 3 - "Paris je t'aime"
Enseigné par un Parisien authentique, ce cours explore le Paris d'hier et d'aujourd'hui: sa longue histoire mouvementée, ses monuments et ses quartiers oubliés, sa vie politique, sociale et culturelle, ses vingt arrondissements, son rayonnement 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. (Recommended pre-requisite: 202 level)
Culture et Conversation 4 - Les Arts
Ce cours explore l'Art français sous toutes ses formes. Les grands artistes visionnaires français de toutes les époques, peintres, sculpteurs, musiciens, chorégraphes, etc. se retrouvent dans ce "tour des arts de France" en dix étapes (pour les cinéastes et les acteurs, prendre le cours Ciné 1 et 2). 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. (Recommended pre-requisite: 202 level)
Littérature et Conversation: la Provence
This special intermediate course studies the charming short stories in Lettres de mon moulin ("Letters from my windmill house"), a famous book of essays by Alphonse Daudet. The stories take place in Provence at the end of the 19th century. Explore parts of traditional Provence with its beautiful landscapes as painted by Paul Cézanne, its colorful history and its wonderful country food. Expand your vocabulary and apply grammatical rules learnedin class. Improve your conversationnal skills through oral presentations of different cities and areas of Provence. Materials be provided in class. (Recommended pre-requisite: 202 level)
Ciné 1 / French Film (première partie)
Rétrospective et discussion des grands moments du film français depuis l'invention des frères Lumière et les premiers films muets de Georges Méliès jusqu'aux années 70. Le débat tourne autour des multiples facettes du cinéma français et des choix esthétiques et thématiques des réalisateurs les plus influents. Chaque cours est suivi par la projection d'un film français en version originale sous-titrée. Livre du cours: "Septième art". (Recommended pre-requisite: 202 level)
Ciné 2 / French Film (deuxième partie)
Suite de Ciné 1. Ciné 2 couvre la période des années 70 à nos jours. Le débat tourne autour des multiples facettes du cinéma français et des choix esthétiques et thématiques des réalisateurs les plus influents. Chaque cours est suivi par la projection d'un film français en version originale sous-titrée. Livre du cours: "Septième art". (Recommended pre-requisite: 202 level)
Paroles et Musique
Un cours pratique où on étudie l'art musical et le language en même temps. La musique, classique ou populaire a toujours été au service des formes de language les plus variées: des ballades du temps jadis aux chansons d'aujourd'hui, en passant par l'air d'opéra, l'air de cour, les comptines et les chants idéologiques. Toute une gamme d'auteurs, de styles et d'interprètes de la musique vocale française. L'enseignant apporte son expertise musicale. (Recommended pre-requisite: 303 level)
Café-théâtre
Come use your French to communicate laugh and other emotions! This class will help you maintain your French and use it in a new purpose! We will use texts from Dubillard, Ionesco, Karl Valentin and more to create a small presentation at the end of the term and a show at the end of the second term! (Recommended pre-requisite: 303 level)
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). Summer 2008's book selections were La Chute and L'Exile by Albert Camus. 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 others). (Recommended pre-requisite: 303-level)
Classes for Adolescents/Teens
Club français pour ados
The following can be scheduled on an on-demand basis for groups of 4 children or more: For children fluent in French (from French at home or French in immersion programs): "Club français pour ados," an after-school program 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.
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.