Mini Classes

Mini classes are a perfect opportunity to keep studying French without a long commitment. Each class targets a specific area or theme. Mini classes are offered in a series of 4 weeks, 1h 30 hours per session, starting the week of February 12.

All mini classes are conducted online unless otherwise specified in the details provided under each class description.

Registration for Winter Mini Classes is now open. 

Scroll all the way down for registration. REGISTRATION CLOSES 24H BEFORE CLASS BEGINS. Last minute registrations are possible, but please  contact the office at info@afportland.org.


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Winter Mini Classes: February 12 - March 9

Winter Term Mini Classes Spotlight

The Olympic Games in Paris: Exploration Through History, Culture, and Women's Empowerment

Les Jeux olympiques à Paris: Une Exploration Centenaire à Travers l'Histoire, la Culture, et l'Émancipation Féminine

For Levels B1-C1. Prerequisites 303 or equivalent.


Come and discover the richness of French culture and language through the prism of the Paris Olympic Games. Explore history, geography, landscapes, Paris, traditions, local cultures, cuisines, and vocabulary. France will no longer hold any secrets for you!

Objectives:

This course aims to deepen your knowledge of French culture, improve your language and vocabulary skills, while working on written production and oral comprehension. Each session will immerse you in a unique aspect of the Paris Olympic Games, providing a comprehensive experience of France's cultural diversity.

Sessions:

  1. The Centenary - Uncover the history of Olympism in France.
  2. The Olympics and French Regions - Explore the impact of the Olympic Games on different French regions.
  3. The Olympics and Women's Condition in France - Analyze the evolution of women's status through the Olympic Games.
  4. The Olympics and Traditional Sports in France - Dive into the world of traditional French sports associated with the Olympic Games.


We are thrilled to introduce our special guest instructor for this unique cultural journey: Mr. Clovis Fauquembergue, a seasoned philosophy expert with over 20 years of teaching experience.

About Your Instructor, Clovis Fauquembergue

* 📚 Philosophy Maestro: With two decades of teaching philosophy, our instructor is dedicated to instilling critical thinking skills.

* 🎓 Psychology Lecturer: At Université Lille III, he brings a unique perspective to our classes.

* 📖 Versatile Author: Published a noir novel, "Requiem-plage," in 2008, showcasing literary talent.

* 📜 Poetry Aficionado: Crafted captivating poetry collections, revealing a deep love for language.

* 🎬 Film Festival Presidency: Led Eidôlon, a film festival blending cinema and philosophy from 2011 to 2016.




French For Travelers

For A1 level

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 equivalent (3 months of French instruction)

French Pronunciation For Beginners

For A1 level

Join us to enhance your pronunciation and develop your skills in French oral comprehension and production! This course consists of 4 sessions of 1.5 hours each, including an explanatory section followed by activities for oral comprehension to work on auditory discrimination, as well as oral production activities to improve pronunciation.

Session 1: Phonetic alphabet: presentation and pronunciation. Rhythms: syllables. Intonations

Session 2: Closed vowels: y – u – i. The sound /r/

Session 3: Nasal vowels. Voiceless consonants (t/p)

Session 4: Silent letters (e/h). Liaisons and linkings

Prerequisites: 102 or equivalent

La Bande Dessinée

For levels A1/A2 and B1/B2

Discover the captivating universe of la BD (cartoons) and elevate your French vocabulary and grammar through an engaging and enjoyable experience. Immerse yourself in the world of Asterix, Gaston Lagaffe, Tintin, and Spirou as we explore their adventures to enhance your conversation skills. This course goes beyond language learning; it delves into French culture, traditions, and customs depicted by these iconic cartoon characters.

Course Highlights:

🎨 Cartoon Immersion: Immerse yourself in the vivid world of la BD to make learning French a delightful experience.

📚 Vocabulary Boost: Expand your French vocabulary through the exciting narratives of beloved cartoon characters.

🌍 Cultural Insights: Gain profound insights into French culture, traditions, and customs embedded in the narratives of Asterix, Gaston Lagaffe, Tintin, and Spirou.

Grammar Made Easy: Navigate the intricacies of French grammar effortlessly with a focus on practical application.

Embark on this linguistic and cultural journey, where language acquisition meets the enchanting tales of la BD.

Prerequisites for A1/A2 level: 103 or equivalent

Prerequisites for B1/B2 level: 206 or equivalent

Les Châteaux de France

For levels A2/B1 and B1+

Embark on a captivating linguistic and cultural journey as we delve into the enchanting world of "Châteaux de France" in this unique French class! Uncover the linguistic nuances of discussing châteaux such as Chenonceau, Chambord, Versailles, and Ussé. Immerse yourself in the language while exploring these architectural jewels that define French heritage.

Class Highlights:

- Language Learning: Enhance your French skills through engaging discussions, vocabulary building, and storytelling focused on the theme of iconic French castles.

- Cultural Exploration: Dive into the history, art, and unique stories behind some of France's most renowned châteaux, from the fairy-tale-like to the historically significant.

- Visual Feast: Experience the grandeur of French architecture and design through captivating visuals, virtual tours, and multimedia resources. 

Prerequisites for A2/B1 level: 202 or equivalent

Prerequisites for B1+ level: 303 or equivalent

Histoire de France: Révolution et Paris

For levels B1-C1

Dive into the revolutionary period that shaped the destiny of France and discover the iconic city of Paris as a witness to historical transformations. This course offers a unique blend of historical depth and cultural exploration. 

Enroll in this course if you aim to:

- Gain a deep understanding of the French Revolution, exploring its causes, key events, and profound impact on French society.

- Explore the heart of France – Paris. Uncover the city's evolution during this transformative period, from architectural changes to the emergence of cultural and political movements. 

- Immerse yourself in the cultural context of the time, examining art, literature, and the birth of revolutionary ideals that continue to shape France today. 

Prerequisites : 303 or equivalent

Grands musées de France

For levels B2/C1

Immerse yourself in the grandeur of France's most celebrated museums, unraveling the stories behind masterpieces that have shaped the world of art. 

This class is for cultural enthusiasts curious about the history and inner workings of renowned French museums, as well as for history buffs interested in uncovering the stories behind the institutions that house France's cultural treasures.

Learn about French museums, including the Louvre, the MUCEM, The Quai Branly, the Musée des Impressionnistes - Giverny, and more, exploring the architectural marvels and unique narratives that define these cultural institutions. 

Gain insights into the origin and evolution of these museums, understanding how they have evolved into beacons of knowledge and guardians of France's collective memory.

Prerequisites : 403 or equivalent

FRENCH FILM NOIR: 4 UNIVERS DE CRIME ET CHATIMENT

For levels B1-C1

Join us to discover 4 French art house Directors who took the plunge into the murky universe of film noir.  Whether it be Louis Malle's first fiction feature, Robert Bresson’s riveting character study, Francois Truffaut’s tribute to American “B-movies,” or Jean-Pierre Melville’s tour de force including a trio of taciturn thieves, all four Directors take the genre of film noir to new heights. You will be expected to see the four films on your own before each discussion. They are all available on Amazon Prime with English subtitles for a nominal rental fee and from other provides for free or with subscription. See below for details. 

ELEVATOR TO THE GALLOWS

1958, Louis Malle

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Also available with Max subscription, no additional fees. 

PICKPOCKET

1959, Robert Bresson

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Also available on Apple TV, rental fee.

SHOOT THE PIANO PLAYER

1960, François Truffaut

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Also available with Max subscription, no additional fees; Amazon Prime subscription with no rental fee; Apple TV with rental fee.

THE RED CIRCLE

1970, Jean-Pierre Melville

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Prerequisites: 303 or equivalent
Mondays 6-7:30pm

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PARKING

Street parking on SW 20th St. facing the Kamm House is limited. Free parking is available in Lot A at SW 18th and SW Columbia. Please obtain a parking pass from the office. After 6 pm weekdays, students may park in the Willamette Dental lot at SW 20th and SW Jefferson as available.

OFFICE HOURS

The Alliance office is open 10am-3pm Monday through Friday.
Call us at 503.223.8388 during business hours or leave a message.
Email us at  info@afportland.org.

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