Our 101 Core Class is for true beginners wishing to master A1 level. If you studied French before, please look into 101-102 Accelerated class. Défi Actuel 1 book offers different thematic units. A variety of societal and cultural themes are presented throughout the book using authentic documents (articles, video and audio clips). Required class materials consist of the Défi Actuel 1 Student Book and Workbook. 
Pace: Regular

This is a beginning French class designed for highly motivated language learners and/or those who have taken French in the past or had some exposure and need to cover the basics. The class combines True Beginner 101 and Beginner 102 into one term, by selectively exposing students to the necessary content to continue with confidence into Beginner 103. Required class materials consist of the Défi Actuel 1 Student Book and Workbook. 
Pace: Accelerated

Our 102 Core Class is for beginners having completed 101 class and wishing to master A1 level. The Défi Actuel 1 book offers different thematic units. A variety of societal and cultural themes are presented throughout the book using authentic documents (articles, video and audio clips). Required materials: Défi Actuel 1 Student Book and Workbook.
Pace: Regular

Our 103 Core Class is for beginners having completed 102 class and wishing to master A1 level. Défi Actuel 1 book offers different thematic units. A variety of societal and cultural themes are presented throughout the book using authentic documents (articles, video and audio clips). Required materials: Défi Actuel 1 Student Book and Workbook.
Pace: Regular

Our 104 Core Class is for beginners having completed 103 class and wishing to master A1 level. The Défi 1 book offers different thematic units. A variety of societal and cultural themes are presented throughout the book using authentic documents (articles, video and audio clips). Required materials consist from the Student Book and Workbook not available through Alliance Française de Portland.
Pace: Regular

This is a beginning French class designed for highly motivated language learners. It combines Beginner 105 and Beginner 106 into one term, by selectively exposing students to the necessary content to continue with confidence into Lower Intermediate 201. Required materials Défi 1 Student Book and Workbook not available through Alliance Française de Portland.
Pace: Accelerated

Our 106 Core Class is for beginners having completed the 105 class and wishing to master A1 level. Défi 1 book offers different thematic units. A variety of societal and cultural themes are presented throughout the book using authentic documents (articles, video and audio clips).Required materials consist from the Student Book and Workbook not available through Alliance Française de Portland.
Pace: Regular

Cross the bridge from A1 to A2 in this transition class where students will gain confidence in their spoken communication skills through review of grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation learned in the DEFI A1 sequence.
Pace: Regular

This lively and engaging French class uses the Comprehensible Input approach to language acquisition to help beginning French students soak up the language like a sponge, as they become more comfortable understanding commonly used French vocabulary in the context of daily conversations and stories. Perfect for students who would like to jumpstart their immersion learning before beginning their first class, as well as those already studying at the A1 level who would like extra support with their comprehension skills alongside their core courses, this class will use strategies derived from second language acquisition research to make French accessible to all learners. The focus will be first and foremost on picking up essential vocabulary through oral comprehension activities with lots of visual aids, and then putting the learning into practice through guided interaction involving writing, reading, and speaking. Be prepared to put away the textbooks and grammar worksheets for this course, and come ready to move, laugh, use your imagination, and build your confidence in a supportive community of learners. (This class will not require any homework, but ample resources will be provided for those who wish to continue the learning at home.) No prerequisites: Great for pure beginners.
Pace: Regular

Build confidence in French through lively dialogues, practical grammar, and engaging communication activities! Using the Grammaire en Dialogues A1/A2 book and its recorded conversations, you'll strengthen your listening, writing, and speaking skills while exploring essential grammar in realistic, everyday situations. Each dialogue helps you understand natural spoken French and apply grammar with greater ease and confidence. Winter term will cover Part 2 of the book. The course covers on average 2 chapters per session, during which students have the opportunity to discuss and apply grammar topics through written activities, conversation and audio comprehension. Prerequisite 105 or equivalent.
Pace: Regular

Build confidence in French through lively dialogues, practical grammar, and engaging communication activities! Using the Grammaire en Dialogues A1/A2 book and its recorded conversations, you'll strengthen your listening, writing, and speaking skills while exploring essential grammar in realistic, everyday situations. Each dialogue helps you understand natural spoken French and apply grammar with greater ease and confidence.

Unlike the online version, this in-person course moves at a slower pace, allowing more time to fully explore each grammar point, practice speaking, ask questions, and build confidence through guided activities and interaction with classmates.  Winter term will cover chapters 12-23 of the book Grammaire en Dialogues A1/A2. 

 Prerequisite 105 or equivalent.
Pace: Regular

201 class is the first step for students wishing to master the A2 level. Our A2 level Core Class is for students progressing from A1 level and wishing to master the A2 level.
Défi Actuel 2 book offers different thematic units. A variety of societal and cultural themes are presented throughout the book using authentic documents (articles, video and audio clips). Class materials consist from the Student Book and Workbook. Two options are offered: paper version of both, or Premium Bundle with paper Student Book and digital Workbook accessible through Espace Virtuel for 12 months (You will not have access to Workbook after 12 months unless you renew the subscription directly with the editor. More information about Espace Virtuel here: https://emdl.us/product-category/digital/espace-virtuel/). Premium books can not be exchanged or refunded.
Pace: Regular

202 class is the second step for students wishing to master the A2 level. Our A2 level Core Class is for students progressing from A1 level and wishing to master the A2 level.
Défi Actuel 2 book offers different thematic units. A variety of societal and cultural themes are presented throughout the book using authentic documents (articles, video and audio clips). Class materials consist from the Student Book and Workbook. Two options are offered: paper version of both, or Premium Bundle with paper Student Book and digital Workbook accessible through Espace Virtuel for 12 months (You will not have access to Workbook after 12 months unless you renew the subscription directly with the editor. More information about Espace Virtuel here: https://emdl.us/product-category/digital/espace-virtuel/). Premium books can not be exchanged or refunded.
Pace: Regular

This is a fast-paced class offering an opportunity to advance into lower intermediate level twice as fast as a regular class. The class combines lower intermediate 205 and 206 into one term, by selectively exposing students to the necessary content to continue with confidence into 301. Required materials Défi 2 Student Book and workbook not available through Alliance Française de Portland.
Pace: Accelerated

Cross the bridge from A2 to B1 in this transition class where students will gain confidence in their spoken communication skills through review of grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation learned in the DEFI A2 sequence.
Pace: Regular

In this lively conversation class for levels A2–B1, we’ll start by reviewing key grammar and vocabulary before moving into engaging speaking practice. With personalized guidance in grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation, your instructor will help you feel comfortable and confident expressing yourself in French. Whether you’re preparing for a trip, practicing for a presentation, or simply wanting to strengthen your conversational fluency, this class will help you speak with greater ease and assurance.
Pace: Regular

301 class is the first step for students wishing to master the B1 level. Our B1 level Core Class is for students progressing from A2 level and wishing to master the B1 level.
Défi Actuel 3 book offers different thematic units. A variety of societal and cultural themes are presented throughout the book using authentic documents (articles, video and audio clips). Class materials consist from the Student Book and Workbook. Two options are offered: paper version of both, or Premium Bundle with paper Student Book and digital Workbook accessible through Espace Virtuel for 12 months (You will not have access to Workbook after 12 months unless you renew the subscription directly with the editor. More information about Espace Virtuel here: https://emdl.us/product-category/digital/espace-virtuel/). Premium books can not be exchanged or refunded.
Pace: Regular

The 302 class is the second step for students wishing to master the B1 level. Our B1 level Core Class is for students progressing from A2 level and wishing to master the B1 level. Défi Actuel 3 book offers different thematic units. A variety of societal and cultural themes are presented throughout the book using authentic documents (articles, video and audio clips). Class materials consist from the Student Book and Workbook. Two options are offered: paper version of both, or Premium Bundle with paper Student Book and digital Workbook accessible through Espace Virtuel for 12 months (You will not have access to Workbook after 12 months unless you renew the subscription directly with the editor. More information about Espace Virtuel here: https://emdl.us/product-category/digital/espace-virtuel/). Premium books can not be exchanged or refunded.
Pace: Regular

The 305 class is the fifth step for students wishing to master the B1 level. Our B1 level Core Class is for students progressing from A2 level and wishing to master the B1 level. Required materials Défi 3 Student Book and Workbook.
Pace: Regular

Part 1 This class will interest you if: 1. You are planning on passing DELF B1 exam and need to prepare for it. 2. You’ve completed B1 level and wish to consolidate the newly acquired skills, all the while evaluating your strengths and weaknesses before jumping to next level. The class has a double goal: preparing you to DELF exam structure and work on all of the aspects one needs to master in order to validate a level to successfully start the next one. A partial simulation of the DELF exam (except oral production part) in the end of the 10-week series will allow students to have a comprehensive evaluation of their skills.
Pace: Regular

This class aims to bring your conversational French to the next level. Learn how native speakers communicate on a day-to-day basis. Interaction and exchanges between students are facilitated by the instructor following weekly thematic topics that include essential vocabulary and grammar. Winter term: Chapters 1-9.  This class is open to students who have successfully completed Defi 206. If you haven’t completed Defi 206 or an equivalent level, verify your level on our website under, “Find Your Level”.
Pace: Regular

Grammaire en Dialogues presents B1 level grammar concepts through everyday life situations using current spoken French. The course covers on average 2 chapters per session, during which students have the opportunity to discuss and apply grammar topics through written activities, conversation and audio comprehension. Winter term: Part 2 of the book.
Pace: Regular

In this conversation class, we'll begin by refreshing essential grammar and vocabulary before diving into speaking practice. Our experienced teacher will offer tailored support in grammar, vocabulary, and phonetics to help you feel at ease and enthusiastic about speaking. Whether you're getting ready for a presentation, planning a trip, or simply looking to enhance your conversational skills, this class is designed to help you reach your goals with confidence and ease.
Pace: Regular

This course explores the perspectives, artistic visions, and cinematic contributions of French women filmmakers. From intimate personal narratives to social criticism, psychological drama, and explorations of identity, students will discover how women directors challenge traditional representations of women, question social expectations, and offer new ways of looking at the world. Through films, selected scenes, and guided discussions, students will examine recurring themes such as gender roles, family relationships, love, sexuality, identity, social inequality, and women's place in society. Although no prior film study is required for this course, particular attention will be given to cinematic techniques, including framing, mise-en-scène, cinematography, and narrative structure. Conducted in French, the course will help students develop their listening comprehension, expand their vocabulary, and strengthen their ability to express opinions, interpret images, and engage in more sophisticated discussions about cinema and contemporary society. Note: Students are responsible for obtaining or renting full films if they wish to watch them in entirety; class will feature selected excerpts. Class materials will be shared in Google Classroom. A subscription to the Criterion Channel is a requirement for this course. Prerequisites: 303 or equivalent.



Pace: Accelerated

Want to speak with a rich vocabulary and use idioms and common expressions spontaneously? Learn expressions and idioms from the podcast and participate in the spontaneous lively discussions with the group. This class is based on RFI’s “Le journal en Français Facile”! RFI-FF is a publicly supported nonprofit organisation that’s existed for 23 years and offers a wide range of subjects in its news broadcasts. Visit their website to see the examples of the themes to be covered in class. This class is open to B1 and B2 level students.
Pace: Regular

Meet your fellow literature buffs, read and discuss your reading under expert guidance from Marie-Pierre Wolfe. Marie-Pierre will send you the weekly questionnaire to promote in-depth understanding of each book segment. 
STUDENTS MUST PURCHASE THE BOOK ON THEIR OWN.


Le livre:  Un chien à ma table  Autrice : Claudie Hunziger
Éditions :  Grasset & Fasquelle- collection " J'ai lu "

RETURNING STUDENTS ONLY. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO JOIN THIS CLASS AS A NEW STUDENT, PLEASE CONTACT THE OFFICE FIRST.

Pace: Regular

In this course, we’ll explore ten texts from Littérature progressive de la Francophonie, niveau B1-B2 (2020), focusing first on the theme Écrire l’indicible, followed by S’aimer. Prerequisite required: 206 or equivalent.

Pace: Regular

401 class is the first step for students wishing to master B2 level. Défi Actuel 4 book offers different thematic units. A variety of societal and cultural themes are presented throughout the book using authentic documents (articles, video and audio clips). Class materials consist from the Student Book and Workbook. Two options are offered: paper version of both, or Premium Bundle with paper Student Book and digital Workbook accessible through Espace Virtuel for 12 month (You will not have access to Workbook after 12 month unless you renew the subscription directly with the editor. More information about Espace Virtuel here: https://emdl.us/product-category/digital/espace-virtuel/). Premium books can not be exchanged or refunded.
Pace: Regular

402 class is the second step for students wishing to master B2 level. Défi Actuel 4 book offers different thematic units. A variety of societal and cultural themes are presented throughout the book using authentic documents (articles, video and audio clips). Class materials consist from the Student Book and Workbook. Two options are offered: paper version of both, or Premium Bundle with paper Student Book and digital Workbook accessible through Espace Virtuel for 12 month (You will not have access to Workbook after 12 month unless you renew the subscription directly with the editor. More information about Espace Virtuel here: https://emdl.us/product-category/digital/espace-virtuel/). Premium books can not be exchanged or refunded.
Pace: Regular

Explore the striking differences between the American Revolution of 1776 and the French Revolution of 1789. Through ten historical comparisons, examine two very different visions of freedom, democracy, and society: the Anglo-Saxon emphasis on pragmatism, individual rights, and the social contract versus the French Revolution’s popular uprising, radical universalism, and quest for a new political order.
From the birth of American capitalism to the revolutionary ideals and violence of the French Republic, we’ll explore the ambitions, contradictions, and lasting legacies of both revolutions. We’ll also confront the darker sides of their histories, including the displacement and massacre of Native Americans, slavery in the United States, and the violence against the people of the Vendée in France.
An opportunity to rethink two defining moments in modern history and the very different paths they set for the world.
This is not a traditional language class: it’s an immersive journey into history, culture, and ideas, combined with advanced speaking and critical thinking practice. Prerequisite 401 or equivalent.

Pace: Regular

Part 2. Having completed part 1 is not required. This class will interest you if: 1. You are planning on passing DELF B2 exam and need to prepare for it. 2. You’ve completed B2 level and wish to consolidate the newly acquired skills, all the while evaluating your strengthsandweaknesses before jumping to next level. The class has a double goal: preparing you to DELF exam structure and work on all of theaspectsone needs to master in order to validate a level to successfully start the next one. A partial simulation of the DELF exam (exceptoralproduction part) in the end of the 10-week series will allow students to have a comprehensive evaluation of their skills. 
Pace: Regular

Explore the striking differences between the American Revolution of 1776 and the French Revolution of 1789. Through ten historical comparisons, examine two very different visions of freedom, democracy, and society: the Anglo-Saxon emphasis on pragmatism, individual rights, and the social contract versus the French Revolution’s popular uprising, radical universalism, and quest for a new political order.
From the birth of American capitalism to the revolutionary ideals and violence of the French Republic, we’ll explore the ambitions, contradictions, and lasting legacies of both revolutions. We’ll also confront the darker sides of their histories, including the displacement and massacre of Native Americans, slavery in the United States, and the violence against the people of the Vendée in France.
An opportunity to rethink two defining moments in modern history and the very different paths they set for the world.
This is not a traditional language class: it’s an immersive journey into history, culture, and ideas, combined with advanced speaking and critical thinking practice. Prerequisite 401 or equivalent.

Pace: Regular

This advanced French course offers a comprehensive overview of French civilization, combining geographical, historical, social and cultural knowledge. The curriculum focuses on understanding French history and French society today as well as exploring cultural achievements in science, literature, architecture and performing arts. This term covers a selection of topics chosen from the various thematic sections of the “Atlas Insolite de Culture Générale” (Cartomania France, 2021, Editions de la Martinière). This non-sequential class can be joined at any time, allowing you to study chapters in any order. NO BOOK IS REQUIRED FOR THIS CLASS. Prerequisite 404 or equivalent.

Pace: Regular

Learn to communicate like a native French speaker! This course adds useful expressions, proverbs, and a little slang to your existing skills, with weekly thematic topics that include essential vocabulary and grammar. Interaction and exchanges between students are facilitated by the instructor.

Winter Term: Chapters 37-42. Each chapter focuses on a distinct topic, so lessons can be taken in any order without requiring prior participation.

Prerequisites: Successful completion of DEFI 306 B1 level or equivalent.

Pace: Regular

502 class is the second step for students wishing to master the C1 level. Our C1 level Core Classes are for students progressing from the B2 level and wishing to master the C1 level.
Pace: Regular

Explore the striking differences between the American Revolution of 1776 and the French Revolution of 1789. Through ten historical comparisons, examine two very different visions of freedom, democracy, and society: the Anglo-Saxon emphasis on pragmatism, individual rights, and the social contract versus the French Revolution’s popular uprising, radical universalism, and quest for a new political order.
From the birth of American capitalism to the revolutionary ideals and violence of the French Republic, we’ll explore the ambitions, contradictions, and lasting legacies of both revolutions. We’ll also confront the darker sides of their histories, including the displacement and massacre of Native Americans, slavery in the United States, and the violence against the people of the Vendée in France.
An opportunity to rethink two defining moments in modern history and the very different paths they set for the world.
This is not a traditional language class: it’s an immersive journey into history, culture, and ideas, combined with advanced speaking and critical thinking practice. Prerequisite 401 or equivalent.

Pace: Regular