Mini Classes

French For Travelers

For A1 level - IN-PERSON

Planning a trip to a French-speaking country but concerned about navigating the language barrier? Join our four "French for Travelers" mini lessons and master essential skills like hotel check-ins, using the metro, purchasing tickets, reserving tours, ordering food, and taking the train. This course is designed for beginners with basic French knowledge and will be predominantly taught in French, with English as needed.

Prerequisites: 101 or possessing an equivalent level (20-hours of French instruction)

Grammar in Context For Beginners

For A1 level - IN-PERSON

If you feel you need more review with foundational grammar but prefer interaction and learning through media to lectures and textbooks, this class could be a perfect fit for you! Learn or review essential grammatical concepts for beginners/advanced beginners through authentic songs, readings, video clips, and games in this engaging mini-class. Topics covered may include pronouns, articles, prepositions, forming questions, present tense, passé composé and futur proche. Reading, writing, speaking and listening will be a part of every lesson.
This class is for those who are midway through or have recently completed A1 level (prerequisite 102 or equivalent level)

Prerequisites: 102 or possessing an equivalent level (0-hours of French instruction)

C'est Une Maison Bleue - Conversation Practice

For A1 level - ONLINE

Welcome to the wonderful world of homes! Let's explore what makes your home sweet home. Share your favorite features, how you make yourself feel comfortable, and your ultimate dream home. We'll also delve into some unique and unusual places we'd love to call home. Get ready to be thrilled and inspired by the wonders of home sweet home, through captivating images, melodious songs, and fascinating mini-documentaries, as we embark on this exciting journey of talking about our nests. This class is open to students at level A1, with the prerequisite of having completed level 102 or possessing an equivalent level.

Prerequisites: 102 or possessing an equivalent level (40-hours of French instruction)

Retiring in France: practical guide

For A1 and A2 levels - ONLINE

See the full description at the top of this page.
 
Prerequisites: 103 or possessing an equivalent level

French Theatre Immersion

For level A1/A2 - IN-PERSON

See the full description at the top of this page.

Prerequisites: 104 or possessing an equivalent level

Voyage-Voyage

For A1 and A2 levels - ONLINE 

Learn the basics of French for travelling, discover popular destinations, learn to describe your favorite holiday activities, book a hotel and write a review after your stay. Unlike our French For Travelers class, which is conducted in English, this class is taught entirely in French. A prerequisite for enrollment is a proficiency level of 103 or its equivalent, corresponding to nine months of regular paced French studies or a total of 60 hours of French lessons. 

Prerequisites: 103 or possessing an equivalent level

French Grammar and Vocabulary Through Songs

For A2 level - ONLINE

Immerse yourself in the world of French grammar and vocabulary through the magic of songs. This course will help you improve your comprehension and oral expression while familiarizing yourself with essential grammatical structures. Each week, you will explore a new carefully selected song, highlighting specific grammatical concepts and enriching your lexical repertoire. Whether you are passionate about music or simply eager to improve your French, this course offers you a unique opportunity to learn while having fun. This class targets students at lower intermediate, A2 level. 

Prerequisites: 106 or possessing an equivalent level

Elementary French Grammar

For A2 level - ONLINE

Unlock the secrets of the French grammar! You'll master relative pronouns, passé composé, imparfait, plus-que-parfait, and the art of direct and indirect discourse. Dive into the nuances of the subjunctive mood and learn when to use infinitive forms, gaining a thorough grasp of French grammar. Our interactive lessons and immersive practice sessions will elevate your language skills and deepen your appreciation for the elegance of French. 

Prerequisites: 106 or possessing an equivalent level

Conversation Class: Speak with Confidence

For A2 level - ONLINE

Join our conversation class and overcome stage fright! Each session creates a safe space to help you gain confidence and fluency in speaking. After reviewing essential grammar and vocabulary, take the plunge and express yourself! The teacher will provide guidance on grammar, vocabulary, and phonetics to ensure you feel comfortable and eager to speak.

Prerequisites: 106 or possessing an equivalent level

French In Media

For A2 level - ONLINE

Would you like to improve your oral comprehension skills with authentic French spoken in the media while strengthening your basic French grammar and vocabulary through entertaining activities and games? You've come to the right place! Each session provides real radio or audiovisual documents, vocabulary lists, grammar review, and practice in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Class content includes topics such as l'imparfait, the alternation between passé composé and imparfait, le futur simple, and comparisons.

Prerequisites: 106 or possessing an equivalent level

Practical French for Travelers

Same content as in Session 1

For A2 level - ONLINE

Are you planning to travel to a French-speaking country? Do you need to speak French during your trip? This course is designed for travelers who want to strengthen their communication and interaction skills. By participating, you’ll gain the necessary knowledge and abilities to prepare for your journey to a Francophone country. Not only will this enhance your future travels, but it will also empower you to engage with locals, communicate effectively, and make the most of your trip. By the end of the course, you’ll have the skills and tools to navigate, order, shop, and interact confidently with people while traveling abroad. Join our online travel preparation course! 

Prerequisites: 106 or possessing an equivalent level

Enhancing French Communication Skills

Same content as in Session 1

For A2 level - ONLINE

Are you interested in enhancing your language skills and boosting your self-confidence in French? Our online French conversation courses offer a blend of guided and open-ended conversations using engaging resources. Learning a foreign language is not only about acquiring knowledge; it’s also about sharing, building connections, and effective communication. This class, designed to complement your learning journey, focuses on empowering you to use your speaking skills in a group setting.

Prerequisites: 106 or possessing an equivalent level

Learn French With Trivia

For A2 level - ONLINE

Would you like to learn about French culture and francophonie? Are you a fun fact collector? If so, come and join us! We are offering a trivia class where you can have fun, learn new trivia, and practice your French speaking skills. We will cover themes such as French cuisine, history, geography, curiosities of French expressions, movies, and music. This class is open to students at level A2, with the prerequisite of having completed level 201 or possessing an equivalent level. 

Prerequisites: 201 or possessing an equivalent level

Aya de Yopougon, a graphic novel from Côte d'Ivoire

For A2 and B1 levels - IN-PERSON

Dive into the colorful world of a group of young friends and their families in 1970s Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, with this four-week study of the beloved graphic novel "Aya de Yopougon (1)."
This intermediate-level course will focus on reading comprehension and interpersonal communication: we will do a lot of reading and checking for comprehension as we learn new vocabulary, but you will also have plenty of opportunities to speak as we practice reading aloud, acting out dialogue, and discussing the plot and characters.
If you want to discover new elements of Francophone culture through a humorous text full of engaging visuals, this is the class for you! (Extracts of the graphic novel will be read in class; you may also choose to extend the learning at home by reading more of the book/series and/or watching the animated film, Aya de Yopougon!).

Prerequisites: 106 or possessing an equivalent level

Exploring the City: Urban Life, Transformation, and Future Vision

For A2 and B1 levels - ONLINE

Welcome to the class designed for those passionate about urban planning or simply curious to better understand the world around themselves.
This dynamic course will enable you to acquire a rich and precise vocabulary to describe different neighborhoods, landmarks, and aspects of city life. You will also observe how cities evolve over time, analyzing urban transformations and contemporary issues. You'll have the opportunity to exercise your creativity by imagining the city's future, proposing innovative ideas for its development, and debating with your classmates on different perspectives for improvement.
This class is open to students at level A2/B1 and above, with the prerequisite of having completed level 202 or possessing an equivalent level.

Prerequisites: 202 or possessing an equivalent level

French Tourism: Exploring Landmarks, Culture, and Activities

For A2 and B1 levels - ONLINE

Same content as in Session 1

Explore the must-see places, the iconic monuments, and the physical activities that make France an exceptional tourist destination.

• From the majestic Eiffel Tower in Paris to the stunning French Riviera and the castles of the Loire Valley, we will discover hidden treasures and breathtaking landscapes that make France a jewel of tourism.
• From the Roman ruins of Nîmes to Mont-Saint-Michel in Normandy, and the famous Gothic cathedrals such as Notre-Dame in Paris, we will explore the rich history and architectural diversity of France through its iconic monuments.
• Whether it's hiking in the French Alps, cycling through the vineyards of Burgundy, or sailing on the Mediterranean, we will focus on activities that allow travelers to fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty and dynamic culture of France.

This class is open to students at levels A2 and B1, with the prerequisite of having completed level 202 or possessing an equivalent level.

Prerequisites: 202 or possessing an equivalent level

French Pronunciation for Intermediate Level

For levels A2/B1  - ONLINE

Broaden your grasp of French pronunciation while refining your oral comprehension and production skills.

Explore techniques to emphasize individual words, phrases, and complete sentences. Delve into the intricacies of "enchaînement," examining both consonantal and vocal forms. Additionally, we'll delve into the nuances of "liaison," exploring required, optional, and forbidden connections between words.

Prerequisites 203 or possessing an equivalent level

Histoire du vin

For levels A2/B1  - ONLINE

Same content as in Session 1

Dive into picturesque vineyards and centuries of tradition that have shaped the fascinating history of French wine. This course will take you on a journey through the most renowned wine regions of France, exploring the evolution of viticulture, winemaking techniques, and the cultural impact of wine on French society.

Designed as a series of multiple mini-classes, in the summer class, you will explore: The history of wine, including its fascinating origins. The intimate relationship between wine and French culture, encompassing the art of living, the art of the table, and social relations. The diverse wine regions of France, as well as those from other parts of the world. The great wines and iconic liqueurs, such as Champagne, Bordeaux, Burgundy, Calvados, Pastis, Chouchen, and more.

This class is open to students at levels A2 and B1, with the prerequisite of having completed level 202 or possessing an equivalent level.

Prerequisites 202 or possessing an equivalent level

French Theatre Immersion

For level B1 - IN-PERSON

See the full description at the top of this page.

Prerequisites: 206 or possessing an equivalent level

Gender and Sexuality in Contemporary French

For level B1 - ONLINE

Same content as in Session 1

This course explores the evolving landscape of language in French society, addressing questions such as the appropriateness of terms like "mademoiselle" and "pédé," the use of gendered language like "le" or "la" médecin, and the understanding of concepts like bisexuality and non-binary identities. Through four sessions, we delve into how language reflects and shapes perceptions of gender and sexuality, examining the emergence of inclusive language and its impact on personal identity. Participants gain insights into the nuances brought by gender and sexuality studies to the French language, empowering them to make informed choices about language usage in their reading, listening, writing, and speaking endeavors.

Prerequisites: 206 or possessing an equivalent level

French Vocabulary Through Dialogue: Real-Life Themes

For level B1 - ONLINE

Through authentic dialogues drawn from real-life situations, you'll expand your lexicon while exploring engaging themes such as personality traits, emotions, work, and telecommunications. In addition to the  dialogue exercises, we'll enhance your learning experience by combining these themes with short videos about current events unfolding in France. Each session will transport you to the heart of French conversation, equipping you with the words and expressions needed to navigate everyday interactions with confidence and fluency.

Prerequisites: 206 or possessing an equivalent level

Un Certain Regard : 4 Femmes Cinéastes

For levels B1 through C1 - ONLINE

The French insistence on regarding cinema as art has helped produced formidable women directors. It began with Alice Guy in 1896, the world's first female film director and producer. In 2021, Frenchwomen Julia Ducournau and Audrey Diwan made headlines, winning top prizes at Cannes and Venice. Claire Denis received the Grand Prix in 2022, and Justine Triet won the Palme d’Or in 2023, then an Oscar for best screenplay in 2024. France boasts the highest proportion of female filmmakers, reaching 30% in 2022. Despite progress, equity remains a goal.

Our film series, "Un Certain Regard," showcases four pioneering filmmakers, each offering a distinct perspective and pushing boundaries in world cinema.

Join us to discuss 4 female film directors who have made an indelible mark on French cinema. Enjoy Agnes Varda’s moving documentary about how people and buildings can share memories; Catherine Breillat’s gripping examination of power, greed emotional manipulation and simple need; Celine Sciamma’s simmering tale about the love affair between an 18th century noblewoman and the woman hired to paint her; and Chantal Akerman’s masterpiece, which was recently crowned the greatest film ever made by British Film Institute’s once every 10-year survey Sight and Sound.

You will be expected to see the four films on your own before each class. They are all available on Amazon Prime with English subtitles for a nominal rental fee. Discussions for the 4-week sessions will be conducted in French.

Find out more and watch the movie trailers here:

Access Movies Access Movies

Prerequisites: 303 or possessing an equivalent level

Les Beaux Châteaux  De France

For levels B1 through C1 - ONLINE

Welcome to our French castles course! France is very famous for its magnificent, original, and unusual castles. In this course, we will delve into the fascinating history of these architectural jewels through different eras.

We will explore the medieval style with examples such as the Château de Chambord (Loir-et-Cher) and the Château de Carcassonne (Aude), then we will immerse ourselves in the Renaissance with iconic sites like the Château de Chenonceau (Indre-et-Loire) and the Château de Villandry (Indre-et-Loire). We will also discover the Gothic style through castles such as the Château de Pierrefonds (Oise) and the Château de Chillon (Switzerland, but often associated with French culture). Finally, we will explore the Baroque style with examples like the Château de Cheverny (Loir-et-Cher) and the Château de Hautefort (Dordogne).

Prerequisites: 303 or possessing an equivalent level

Histoire de France: Post-Révolution

For levels B1 through C1 - ONLINE

Dive into the post-revolutionary period that shaped the destiny of France. Explore the Third Republic, Napoleon's defeat, the Paris Commune, and the era's cultural and technological advancements. Gain fresh insights into the enduring legacy of the French Revolution. Enroll in this course if you aim to:

• Gain a comprehensive understanding of the Third Republic in France and the process of secularization (la laïcisation).
• Explore the aftermath of Napoleon's defeat and its impact on French society and politics.
• Examine the pivotal events of the Paris Commune and their significance in shaping modern French history.
• Delve into the artistic influences and major inventions of the period, exploring their contributions to cultural and technological advancements.

This class is open to students at level B1 and above, with the prerequisite of having completed level 303 or possessing an equivalent level.

Prerequisites: 303 or possessing an equivalent level

French Gastronomy: A Journey Through Escoffier's Legacy and Regional Delights

For levels B1 through C1 - ONLINE

Same content as in Session 1

Discover the French culinary art through our special class that highlights France's gastronomic heritage. Immerse yourself in the world of French cuisine by exploring the foundations laid by the famous chef Auguste Escoffier, a true pioneer of modern gastronomy.
Delve into the fundamental principles of French cuisine and its influence worldwide.
Additionally, we will embark on a journey to explore the main French regions and their distinctive gastronomy. From the Southwest with its delightful terroir delicacies, to the renowned refined cuisine of the Lyon region, and the maritime flavors of Brittany and Normandy, each region offers a unique palette of flavors to explore.

Prerequisites: 303 or possessing an equivalent level