Summer 2023

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Registration for summer classes is now open. Types of discounts will be offered until May 28: 10% earlybird or 15% senior discount. Sign up for our Quoi de Neuf? Newsletter (at the bottom of the webpage) and don't miss the discount deadline!  

Use the code: earlybird for the 10% discount until May 28th. Use the code: senior for the 15% senior discount.

June 19 - August 26

Whether you are new to the Alliance or a continuing student, you'll find all you need to know about our fall offerings here. 

  • Core classes: Our general French classes include Beginning A1 level: 101 through 106, Lower Intermediate A2:  201 through 206, Intermediate B1: 301 through 306, Lower Advanced B2: 401 through 406, and Advanced C1: 501 through 506. Most classes move at the regular pace. Accelerated classes are available for levels A1 and A2. Scroll down for the schedule.  100 - Introduction to French Immersion is available for students as a 5-week class.
  • Specialty and Cultural: Specialty classes allow students to focus on a particular skill or subject. Cultural classes are discussion based classes exposing students to different aspects  of French culture, literature or art. 
  • Mini Classes: offered in a series of 3 to 6 weeks, 1h30 hours per session, are a perfect opportunity to keep studying French without a long commitment with each class targeting a specific area or theme.  Check School Calendar to see the next session dates.
  • Kickstart French is a 4-day intensive brush-up class (2.5 hours per day with two short breaks) offered for A1, A2 and B1 level students right before fall classes begin. Check out the dedicated page for more details. 
  • Conversation Groups are available through Alliance for different levels. We offer A1, A2/B1 and B2/C1 level conversation groups. Attendance is free. Check out dedicated page for dates and schedule and look for groups available during the school term.
  • Beginning students new to the Alliance, please read information about true beginners classes on this page.
  • You have to pick up books before your first class, or arrange shipping for additional fee with our office. Books are not automatically shipped.


note worthy this term:


If you are unable to attend 10-week class, please contact the office. 
Note that three sessions of mini classes are offered in summer: June 9 - July 15, July 17 - August 11, August 14 - September 1.

Core Classes

Core classes are offered at 5 levels: A1 (Beginner), A2 (Lower Intermediate), B1 (Intermediate), B2 (Lower Advanced), C1 (Advanced). Two tracks are possible, regular pace classes or accelerated pace classes (for A1 and A2 levels only). Read more about level progression and classes for adults here.

Specialty & Cultural Classes

Essential Everyday French - A1 to C1

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.

This class is offered for A1/A2 (prereq. Edito 104), B1 (prereq. Edito 205) and B2/C1 levels (prereq. CECR B1).

Defining Moments in Art B1/B2


For visual arts enthusiasts and those simply curious about the art world. Each week, examine several artworks to learn about the events, personalities and works that have had the greatest impact in their time. This is a highly interactive class using art as a vehicle of conversation. This class will study art of the early 20th century. It's a 5-week long class. 

Tuesdays 10am-12pm
Teacher: Elene Zedginidze

French Ripped From The Headlines B1-C1


Want to speak with a rich vocabulary and use idioms and common expressions spontaneously? Stop just encountering new vocabulary and start retaining and using it in this class 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. No flashcards required!

This class is open to students from B1 to C1 levels. Prerequisites - CECR B1


French Literature

Discover French literary works and authors with a well-structured textbook. Learn about different authors and read excerpts of their works. Perfect for those wishing to broaden their knowledge of French literature beyond the scope of a single book or author. Throughout the year, you will discover literary works from the Middle Ages to contemporary French literature.

Offered for B1 through C1 (advanced level texts) levels. 

Teacher: Margarita Smagina

"En Dialogues" Collection


Grammar For Conversation presents corresponding 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.

This class is offered for B1 level (prereq. Edito 205). 

 

Littérature - lecture guidée

Meet your fellow literature buffs, read Annie Ernaux's "la Honte" 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. More about the spring book choice:
Annie Ernaux est nee en 1943, et elle a obtenu le prix Nobel de littérature pour l'ensemble de son oeuvre en 2022 a l'age de 80 ans !! Un article est publié sur son oeuvre dans le New York Times Magazine du 7 mai 2023 "A shack of recognition" by Rachel Cusk. Plusieurs de ses livres sont deja traduits en anglais. Elle a passé son enfance et sa jeunesse a Yvetot, en Normandie France. Elle est devenue professeur de lettres, et elle vit a Clergy à côté de Paris. Le livre "la Honte"  raconte sa jeunesse et ses années d'ecole.

This class is open to returning students. Students new to this class, please contact the office.

Monday 10am-12pm
Teacher: Marie-Pierre Wolfe

Register Below

Select by Level to view all classes in that level. Select Type of class  to see all Core or Specialty & Cultural Classes. Select  Pace to find Accelerated or Normal classes. Select Location to see In Person classes for Spring Term.

Click on the gray box with the day and time to register. This website was published on January 17, 2022. All students will need to login with a new password before registering. 

To see the teacher of a class, hold your cursor over the circled exclamation point  in the class date/time box.

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Adult
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A.0 - Pre-Beginner

Introduction to French

Core Classes
This course is designed to help prepare you for French immersion through a gentle introduction to the method supplemented with English. You’ll have the opportunity to learn useful classroom expressions in French in addition to some of the basics of the language that will allow you to continue with confidence into Beginning French 101.
Pace: Regular
A1 - Beginner

101-102 Accelerated

Core Classes
This beginning Core Class combines Beginner 101 and Beginner 102 into one term and is for highly motivated students and/or those who have taken French in the past or had some exposure and need to revisit the basics.
Pace: Accelerated

101

Core Classes
Our 101 Core Class is for true beginners wishing to master the A1 level. If you studied French before, please look into 101-102 Accelerated class.
Pace: Regular

102

Core Classes
Our 102 Core Class is for beginners having completed 101 class and wishing to master A1 level.
Pace: Regular

103-104 Accelerated

Core Classes
This beginning Core Class combines Beginner 103 and Beginner 104 into one term and is for highly motivated students and/or those who have taken French in the past or had some exposure and need to revisit the basics.
Pace: Accelerated

103

Core Classes
Our 103 Core Class is for beginners having completed 102 class and wishing to master A1 level.
Pace: Accelerated

105-106 Accelerated

Core Classes
This Continuing Core class for highly motivated language learners combines Beginning 105 and 106 into one term. Students are exposed to the necessary content to continue with confidence into Intermediate 201.
Pace: Accelerated

A1 to A2 Bridge

Core Classes
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 Édito A1 sequence.
Pace: Regular

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

A1 to A2 Bridge

Core Classes
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 Édito A1 sequence.
Pace: Regular

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 - Lower Intermediate

201-202 Accelerated

Core Classes
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 201 and 202 into one term, by selectively exposing students to the necessary content to continue with confidence into 203.
Pace: Accelerated

201

Core Classes
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.
Pace: Regular

202

Core Classes
202 class is the second step for students wishing to master the A2 level.
Pace: Regular

203

Core Classes
203 class is the second step for students wishing to master the A2 level.
Pace: Regular

204

Core Classes
204 class is the fourth 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..
Pace: Regular
A2/B1

A2 to B1 Bridge

Core Classes
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 Édito A2 sequence. Grammar reviewed will include past tenses, temporal prepositions, alternative negation, relative pronouns, object pronouns, futur simple, conditional, and more. Pronunciation reviewed will include nasal vowels, mute -e-, vocalic and consonantal enchainment, liaison, and intonation.
Pace: Regular

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

Grammar For Conversation B1

Specialty & Cultural Classes
Part 2 of the book. 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.
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 - Intermediate

301

Core Classes
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.
Pace: Regular

302

Core Classes
302 class is the second step for students wishing to master the B1 level.
Pace: Regular

303

Core Classes
303 class is the third step for students wishing to master the B1 level.
Pace: Regular

304

Core Classes
304 class is the fourth step for students wishing to master the B1 level.
Pace: Regular

Essential Everyday French Intermediate

Specialty & Cultural Classes
Chapters 37-42. 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. This class is open to students who have successfully completed Edito 205. If you haven’t completed Edito 205, verify your level on our website under, “Find Your Level”.
Pace: Regular

French Ripped From The Headlines

Specialty & Cultural Classes
Stop just encountering new vocabulary and start retaining and using it in this class based on RFI’s “Le journal en Français Facile”!
Pace: Regular

Grammar For Conversation B1

Specialty & Cultural Classes
Part 2 of the book. 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.
Pace: Regular
B1/B2

Defining Moments in Art A

Specialty & Cultural Classes
For visual arts enthusiasts and those simply curious about the art world. Each week, examine several artworks to learn about the events, personalities and works that have had the greatest impact in their time. This is a highly interactive class using art as a vehicle of conversation. This class will study the art of the early 20th century.
Pace: Regular

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

French Ripped From The Headlines

Specialty & Cultural Classes
Stop just encountering new vocabulary and start retaining and using it in this class based on RFI’s “Le journal en Français Facile”!
Pace: Regular

Grammar For Conversation B1

Specialty & Cultural Classes
Part 2 of the book. 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.
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

Littérature - lecture guidée

Specialty & Cultural Classes
Annie Ernaux est nee en 1943, et elle a obtenu le prix Nobel de littérature pour l'ensemble de son oeuvre en 2022 a l'age de 80 ans !!Un article est publié sur son oeuvre dans le New York Times Magazine du 7 mai 2023 "A shack of recognition" by Rachel Cusk. Plusieurs de ses livres sont deja traduits en anglais. Elle a passé son enfance et sa jeunesse a Yvetot, en Normandie France. Elle est devenue professeur de lettres, et elle vit a Clergy à côté de Paris. Le livre "la Honte"  raconte sa jeunesse et ses années d'ecole.
Pace: Regular

Littérature Française B2/C1

Specialty & Cultural Classes
Discover French literary works and authors with a well-structured textbook. Learn about different authors and read excerpts of their works. Perfect for those wishing to broaden their knowledge of French literature beyond the scope of a single book or author. Throughout the year, you will discover literary works from the Middle Ages to contemporary French literature. This class uses book for levels B2-C1. Class can accommodate strongly motivated B1 level students.
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

French Ripped From The Headlines

Specialty & Cultural Classes
Stop just encountering new vocabulary and start retaining and using it in this class based on RFI’s “Le journal en Français Facile”!
Pace: Regular

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

Littérature Française B2/C1

Specialty & Cultural Classes
Discover French literary works and authors with a well-structured textbook. Learn about different authors and read excerpts of their works. Perfect for those wishing to broaden their knowledge of French literature beyond the scope of a single book or author. Throughout the year, you will discover literary works from the Middle Ages to contemporary French literature. This class uses book for levels B2-C1. Class can accommodate strongly motivated B1 level students.
Pace: Regular
B2/C1

Essential Everyday French B2/C1

Specialty & Cultural Classes
Chapters 24-29. This class aims to teach you how to communicate like a native French person. Add useful expressions, proverbs and even a little slang to your existing French skills! Interaction and exchanges between students are facilitated by the instructor following weekly thematic topics that include essential vocabulary and grammar. This class is open to students who have successfully completed Edito B1 level. If you haven’t completed Edito B1, verify your level on our website under, “Find Your Level”.
Pace: Regular

French Ripped From The Headlines

Specialty & Cultural Classes
Stop just encountering new vocabulary and start retaining and using it in this class based on RFI’s “Le journal en Français Facile”!
Pace: Regular

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

Littérature Française B2/C1

Specialty & Cultural Classes
Discover French literary works and authors with a well-structured textbook. Learn about different authors and read excerpts of their works. Perfect for those wishing to broaden their knowledge of French literature beyond the scope of a single book or author. Throughout the year, you will discover literary works from the Middle Ages to contemporary French literature. This class uses book for levels B2-C1. Class can accommodate strongly motivated B1 level students.
Pace: Regular
C1 - Advanced

French Ripped From The Headlines

Specialty & Cultural Classes
Stop just encountering new vocabulary and start retaining and using it in this class based on RFI’s “Le journal en Français Facile”!
Pace: Regular
 

CONTACT US

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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