Try Something New Week

Exploring French Regional Christmas Traditions

Decorating trees, exchanging gifts, and sharing a festive family meal — yes, of course! But have you heard of the mischievous Christmas gremlin, or the 13 desserts of Provence?Join us on a joyful journey through France’s regional holiday traditions, from charming legends to mouthwatering specialties, and discover how Noël is celebrated in all its local color and cheer.

Prerequisites: completion of 201 or equivalent level

Tuesday, December 16, 4-6pm, online with Adeline Gros

Beautiful Brussels: A weekend in the European Capital

Embark on a virtual journey to Brussels, the vibrant heart of French-speaking Belgium. Guided by your instructor, Melody, you will explore the city’s Art Nouveau architectural treasures, the European Parliament, and the renowned Magritte and Tintin Museums. Immerse yourself in the rich culture, art, and history of Brussels—all from the comfort of your home.

Prerequisites: completion of 201 or equivalent level, more advanced learners are welcome too

Tuesday, December 16, 9-11am, online with Melody Pao

French Etiquette: Navigating Politeness and the Conditional Tense

Join us for a two-hour workshop focused on mastering politeness and formal language in French, along with the use of the conditional. This interactive session aims to enhance participants' communication skills by exploring different forms of politeness used in various contexts, learning key expressions and phrases for respectful communication, and understanding the cultural significance of politeness in the francophone world. Participants will also delve into the structure and formation of the conditional tense, practicing its application for expressing wishes, hypotheses, and polite requests.

Prerequisites: 204 or equivalent.

Monday, December 15, 10-12pm, online with
Anne Julie Paillé

Folk Music of Québec (La musique traditionnelle québécoise)

Bring your passion for singing and for French Canadian culture, and try something new!

Previous musical experience is helpful but not essential—enthusiasm is what matters most!

Prerequisites: completion of 201 or equivalent level

Monday, December 15, In-person with William Curtis

La Chasse-Galerie: A Quebecois New Year’s Legend - Levels B1/B2

What if you could travel anywhere you wanted in a flying canoe—but you had to make a pact with the devil first? Chances are, if you speak to someone from Quebec, they will recognize this premise belonging to the beloved folktale “La Chasse-Galerie.” In this workshop, we will explore the legend's rich oral and written history through several media: a written story, a short animated film, and a song. The focus is on written and oral comprehension, but you will also have the chance to express yourself in conversation and writing as we summarize the story and share our ideas.

Prerequisites: completion of 206 or equivalent level

Wednesday, December 17, 6-8pm, online with Marisa Ikert

Tabous et Débats : L'argent, la religion et le vote - Levels B1, B2 and C1 

As the holiday season approaches, join us for our engaging two-hour workshop titled "Tabous et Débats : L'argent, la religion et le vote," where we will delve into the cultural taboos surrounding money, religion, and the secrecy of voting in the context of French culture. In France, discussions about salary and income are often seen as impolite, particularly during festive gatherings, making it essential to understand the underlying social dynamics. We'll also explore why religion is typically avoided in public conversations, reflecting the country’s secular values and diverse beliefs. Additionally, we’ll discuss the implications of secret voting, a practice that respects individual choice, even among family members during politically charged times. With focused vocabulary building and practice, attendees will leave equipped with essential linguistic tools to navigate complex social themes in French, fostering both linguistic and cultural understanding just in time for the holidays. Prepare yourself for meaningful conversations during this festive season in the rich tapestry of French culture! 

Prerequisites: Completion of 303 or equivalent level

Tuesday, December 15, 10-12p, online
with Anne Julie Paillé

Creative Writing Workshop -Levels B2/C1

Ready to let your imagination run free? In this workshop, you’ll play with words, experiment with language, and explore your own creative voice in French. Perfect for those who enjoy storytelling, poetry, or simply expressing ideas in new ways.

Prerequisites: Completion of 306 or equivalent level

Wednesday, December 17, 1-3pm, online
with Adeline Gros