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 or 3 weeks, 1h30 hours per session, starting the week of June 19. Three sessions are offered this summer:

Registration for Summer Mini Classes is now open.

Below you'll find the details about each series. Scroll all the way down for registration. REGISTRATION CLOSES 24H BEFORE CLASS BEGINS. Contact the office for last minute registration info@afportland.org.


Scroll down to register.

SESSION 1: June 19 - July 15 (4 weeks)



No classes on July 4. Tuesday mini-classes are 3-week long with pro-rated price.

C'est une maison bleue

For A1 level

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.

Fri 10-11:30am 
June 23 - July 14
Prerequisites: 101/102

Ouaf ouaf, miaou: Reading comprehension with Albert & Folio

For A1 level

“Les aventures d’Albert & Folio” is an illustrated book series aimed at beginning French learners that recounts the escapades of a cat and dog living in Paris. Through an engaging audio narration, visual aids, and repeated essential vocabulary, beginning students with some experience will rapidly gain understanding of sentence structure and high-frequency words and expressions in French, particularly around the themes of animals, families, sensations and emotions. In each class, we will read and listen along with one or two of these short books, go over key vocabulary and check for comprehension, and engage in discussions and creative activities at students’ level.

Mon 10-11:30am 
June 19 - July 14
Prerequisites: 102

Voyage-Voyage

For A1 through A2 levels

Join us on an exhilarating journey as we explore the magnificent 7 wonders of the world and the incredible countries that house them. Through exciting questionnaires, authentic documents, captivating photos and videos, and travel diaries, we will learn to speak about these enchanting monuments and natural wonders with great enthusiasm. Get ready for an adventure of a lifetime!

Wednesdays 10-11:30a
June 21 - July 12
Prerequisites: 103


Mastering Pronouns

For A2 through B1 levels

This four week workshop will review the use of object pronouns in French.

Week 1: Les COD et COI. Students will review use and placement of direct and indirect object pronouns in several tenses, and will have opportunities to practice these structures through conversation with classmates.
Week 2: Y et en. Students will review the use and placement of adverbial pronouns y and en in several tenses, and will have opportunities to practice these structures through conversation with classmates.
Week 3: Tous les pronoms. Students will review choosing between COD, COI, y, and en in simple and complex verb structures. Week 4: Les pronoms relatifs. Students will review using relative pronouns qui, que, où, and dont.

IN-PERSON CLASS
Wednesdays 10-11:30a
June 21 - July 12
Prerequisites: 203


La grammaire en chansons

For A2 through B1 levels

In this series, you will have the opportunity to brush up your French grammar skills in the company of contemporary and 20th-century singers and songwriters. Review the past tenses with Édith Piaf and Charles Aznavour, explore the conditional forms with Joe Dassin and Angèle, and learn the subjunctive mode with Carla Bruni and Céline Dion.


Tuesdays 10-11:30a
June 20 - July 11
Prerequisites: 201

This class is 3 weeks-long due to the July 4th holiday.

Regards croisés sur la France et les français

For A2 through B1 levels

In this series, you are invited to discover and discuss various stereotypes, clichés, and jokes about the ways France and the French are perceived in other cultures. What do the Japanese or the Norwegians have to say about the quintessentially “French” lifestyle? What stereotypical representations of Metropolitan France are common in Quebec? The participants will be encouraged to share their own experiences and knowledge that either confirm or disprove such stereotypes, and to remember to take everything with a grain of salt!

Fridays 10-11:30am
June 23 - July 14
Prerequisites: 201


Baguette grenouille tour Eiffel

For A2 through B1 levels

We're going to have a blast poking fun at the stereotypes associated with the French! From the national pastime of complaining to the frequent strikes, we'll delve into why these clichés exist. And what about the infamous baguette under the arm? We'll uncover the truth. Plus, we'll explore why France is both loved and hated by foreigners. And, get this - ever wonder why some tourists are completely shocked by the difference between the France they imagined from movies and the real thing? We'll answer that too! Get ready for an adventure as we uncover the truth behind these common French stereotypes.

Wednesdays 1-2:30pm
June 21 - July 12
Prerequisites: 201

Douce France

For B1 through B2 levels


Get ready to explore the wonders of French society! With Ina's treasure trove of archival videos, you can dive into the lives of the youth, children, and daily routines of the French people throughout history. These videos are full of insightful interviews and testimonials that will make you laugh, reminisce, and be curious about the ever-evolving French culture. The best part? By watching these videos, you'll gain a deeper understanding of France today and what makes this country tick. So, buckle up and get ready for an exciting journey through time with Ina's archival videos!

Tuesdays 1-2:30pm
June 20 - July 11
Prerequisites: 206

This class is 3 weeks-long due to the July 4th holiday.


Histoires de migrations

For B1 through B2 levels

France is an amazing patchwork of cultures that you simply cannot miss out on! Have you ever wondered why we eat couscous or why we sprinkle Arabic words in our everyday conversations? Well, you're in for a treat! Let's explore France's rich migratory history and dive into the stories of the brave migrants and their first and second-generation offspring. Through music and entertaining documentaries, we can uncover the diverse and exciting flavors of the world that have contributed to France's unique culture today. Get ready to be amazed!

Tuesdays 6-7:30pm
June 20 - July 11
Prerequisites: 206

This class is 3 weeks-long due to the July 4th holiday.


Les régions de France

For B2 level

In this culture-focused class, students will learn and review content related to the geography and traditions of France’s metropolitan and overseas regions through videos, articles, maps and discussions. As a class, we will dive more deeply into the culture and clichés associated with southwest France (Nouvelle-Aquitaine) and the north of France (Hauts-de-France). Students will also have the chance to watch the beloved French movie “Bienvenue chez les Ch’tis” (all about the clichés of the North) at home and discuss it in class, and research and present briefly on another region that they are curious about and/or have traveled to.

Wednesdays 6-7:30pm
June 21 - July 12
Prerequisites: 306

La vie en rose

For B2 through C1 levels

Are you ready to experience the language of love like never before? Imagine whispering sweet nothings in French to the love of your life! And what if you could witness firsthand how French people express their love and friendship? Get ready to explore this beautiful language through songs, articles, videos, and movies. Let your heart skip a beat as you immerse yourself in the world of love and romance. Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity to celebrate the French language and all its amour!

Thursdays 1-2:30pm
June 22 - July 13
Prerequisites: CECR B1

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A1 - Beginner

C'est une maison bleue A1

Minis
Explore what makes your home sweet home. We'll also delve into some unique and unusual places we'd love to call home. 
Pace: Regular

Ouaf ouaf, miaou: Reading comprehension with Albert & Folio

Minis
“Les aventures d’Albert & Folio” is an illustrated book series aimed at beginning French learners that recounts the escapades of a cat and dog living in Paris. Through an engaging audio narration, visual aids, and repeated essential vocabulary, beginning students with some experience will rapidly gain understanding of sentence structure and high-frequency words and expressions in French, particularly around the themes of animals, families, sensations and emotions. In each class, we will read and listen along with one or two of these short books, go over key vocabulary and check for comprehension, and engage in discussions and creative activities at students’ level.
Prerequisites: 102
Pace: Regular
A1/A2

Voyage-Voyage A1/A2

Minis
Join us on an exhilarating journey as we explore the magnificent 7 wonders of the world and the incredible countries that house them. Through exciting questionnaires, authentic documents, captivating photos and videos, and travel diaries, we will learn to speak about these enchanting monuments and natural wonders with great enthusiasm. Get ready for an adventure of a lifetime!
Pace: Regular
A2/B1

Baguette grenouille tour eiffel A2/B1

Minis
We're going to have a blast poking fun at the stereotypes associated with the French! From the national pastime of complaining to the frequent strikes, we'll delve into why these clichés exist. And what about the infamous baguette under the arm? We'll uncover the truth. Plus, we'll explore why France is both loved and hated by foreigners. And, get this - ever wonder why some tourists are completely shocked by the difference between the France they imagined from movies and the real thing? We'll answer that too! Get ready for an adventure as we uncover the truth behind these common French stereotypes.
Pace: Regular

French Literature A2/B1

Minis
You don’t have to be 100% proficient to read and understand “serious” literature in French! With this selection of short literary excerpts, you will explore the themes of freedom, difference, memory, and language. This will allow you to strengthen your speaking and reading skills, as well as deepen your knowledge of the history of francophone literature. Week 1: André Gide - Les nourritures terrestres (1897); Week 2: Assia Djebar - L’Amour, la fantasia (1985); Week 3: Patrick Modiano - Dora Bruder (1997); Week 4: Nancy Huston - Nord perdu (1999).
Pace: Regular

La grammaire en chansons A2/B1

Minis
In this series, you will have the opportunity to brush up your French grammar skills in the company of contemporary and 20th-century singers and songwriters. Review the past tenses with Édith Piaf and Charles Aznavour, explore the conditional forms with Joe Dassin and Angèle, and learn the subjunctive mode with Carla Bruni and Céline Dion.
Pace: Regular

Mastering Pronouns A2/B1

Minis
This four week workshop will review the use of object pronouns in French: Week 1: Les COD et COI. Students will review use and placement of direct and indirect object pronouns in several tenses, and will have opportunities to practice these structures through conversation with classmates.Week 2: Y et en. Students will review the use and placement of adverbial pronouns y and en in several tenses, and will have opportunities to practice these structures through conversation with classmates.Week 3: Tous les pronoms. Students will review choosing between COD, COI, y, and en in simple and complex verb structures.Week 4: Les pronoms relatifs. Students will review using relative pronouns qui, que, où, and dont.
Pace: Regular

Regards croisés sur la France et les français A2/B1

Minis
In this series, you are invited to discover and discuss various stereotypes, clichés, and jokes about the ways France and the French are perceived in other cultures. What do the Japanese or the Norwegians have to say about the quintessentially “French” lifestyle? What stereotypical representations of Metropolitan France are common in Quebec? The participants will be encouraged to share their own experiences and knowledge that either confirm or disprove such stereotypes, and to remember to take everything with a grain of salt!
Pace: Regular
B1/B2

Douce France B1/B2

Minis
Get ready to explore the wonders of French society! With Ina's treasure trove of archival videos, you can dive into the lives of the youth, children, and daily routines of the French people throughout history. These videos are full of insightful interviews and testimonials that will make you laugh, reminisce, and be curious about the ever-evolving French culture. The best part? By watching these videos, you'll gain a deeper understanding of France today and what makes this country tick. So, buckle up and get ready for an exciting journey through time with Ina's archival videos!
Pace: Regular

French Literature B1/B2

Minis
You don’t have to be 100% proficient to read and understand “serious” literature in French! With this selection of short literary excerpts, you will explore the themes of responsibility, remembrance, childhood, and love. This will allow you to strengthen your speaking and reading skills, as well as deepen your knowledge of the history of francophone literature. Week 1: André Breton - Nadja (1928); Week 2: Jean-Paul Sartre - Les Mouches (1943), Huis clos (1944); Week 3: Nathalie Sarraute - Enfance (1982); Week 4: Marguerite Duras - L’Amant (1984).
Pace: Regular

Histoires de migrations B1/B2

Minis
France is an amazing patchwork of cultures that you simply cannot miss out on! Have you ever wondered why we eat couscous or why we sprinkle Arabic words in our everyday conversations? Well, you're in for a treat! Let's explore France's rich migratory history and dive into the stories of the brave migrants and their first and second-generation offspring. Through music and entertaining documentaries, we can uncover the diverse and exciting flavors of the world that have contributed to France's unique culture today. Get ready to be amazed!
Pace: Regular

La poésie francophone incontournable B1/B2

Minis
Improve your grammar, expand your vocabulary, and learn new literary concepts by reading and discussing a selection of acclaimed poetic texts in French. The poetry featured in this series–from the children’s song Alouette, gentille alouette to the surrealist poems of Robert Desnos–will allow you to encounter different genres, forms, and styles of poetic expression.
Pace: Regular

Promenades autour de Paris B1/B2

Minis
As Victor Hugo writes in Les Misérables, « Errer est humain, flâner est parisien. » In this workshop, you are invited to become a flâneur or a flâneuse, exploring Paris through literary texts that feature the iconic places and landmarks of La Ville Lumière. This series is a great opportunity to deepen your knowledge of France’s capital, expand your vocabulary, and practice speaking French. Week 1: Île de la Cité and the Seine; Week 2: Montmartre and the North; Week 3: Rue du Faubourg Saint-Denis and the East; Week 4: The Latin Quarter and the Left Ban.
Pace: Regular
B2 - Lower Advanced

Les régions de France

Minis
In this culture-focused class, students will learn and review content related to the geography and traditions of France’s metropolitan and overseas regions through videos, articles, maps and discussions. As a class, we will dive more deeply into the culture and clichés associated with southwest France (Nouvelle-Aquitaine) and the north of France (Hauts-de-France). Students will also have the chance to watch the beloved French movie “Bienvenue chez les Ch’tis” (all about the clichés of the North) at home and discuss it in class, and research and present briefly on another region that they are curious about and/or have traveled to.
Prerequisites: 306
Pace: Regular
B2/C1

La vie en rose B2/C1

Minis
Are you ready to experience the language of love like never before? Imagine whispering sweet nothings in French to the love of your life! And what if you could witness firsthand how French people express their love and friendship? Get ready to explore this beautiful language through songs, articles, videos, and movies. Let your heart skip a beat as you immerse yourself in the world of love and romance. Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity to celebrate the French language and all its amour!
Pace: Regular

Order This Course

$150.00 USD

Code: 23E Minis S2 - French Literature B1/B2
You don’t have to be 100% proficient to read and understand “serious” literature in French! With this selection of short literary excerpts, you will explore the themes of responsibility, remembrance, childhood, and love. This will allow you to strengthen your speaking and reading skills, as well as deepen your knowledge of the history of francophone literature. Week 1: André Breton - Nadja (1928); Week 2: Jean-Paul Sartre - Les Mouches (1943), Huis clos (1944); Week 3: Nathalie Sarraute - Enfance (1982); Week 4: Marguerite Duras - L’Amant (1984).

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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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