Lyon Courses – 2026 Spring
Academics
We are excited to announce that starting in Fall 2025 you now have two academic options for studying abroad in Lyon. You can choose either the traditional Intensive French Language Option (IFL), which emphasizes French language and culture at all levels (beginning to advanced), or the new Multidisciplinary Studies in English Option (MSE) program requires only one course in French language and offers a variety of courses taught in English.
Intensive French Language Option (IFL)
Advance your language proficiency through the Université Catholique's Institut de Langue et de Culture Françaises (ILCF) where you will study French language and conversation (9 semester credits) alongside other international students. You will also select 1-3 elective courses (3 to 9 semester credits) taught just for USAC students in French or English.
Your IFL language level is determined by a placement exam administered after you arrive on-site. During the first three weeks of the program, you will take a 1-credit preparatory class so that you are ready for the placement exam.
ILCF LEVEL A1: Elementary (9 credits)
- First Year French I
- First Year French II
- Basic French Conversation for Daily Communication
ILCF LEVEL A1+: Elementary (9 credits)
Prerequisite: 1 semester of college French
- First Year French II
- Second Year French I
- French Conversation
ILCF LEVEL A2: Intermediate Low (9 credits)
Prerequisite: 2 semesters of college French
- Second Year French I
- Second Year French II
- French Conversation
ILCF LEVEL A2+: Intermediate Low/Mid (9 credits)
Prerequisite: 3 semesters of college French
- Second Year French II
- Third Year French I
- French Conversation
ILCF LEVEL B1: Intermediate Mid/High (9 credits)
Prerequisite: 4 semesters of college French
- Third Year French I
- Third Year French II
- French Conversation
ILCF LEVEL B1+: Intermediate High/Advanced Low (9 credits)
Prerequisite: 5 semesters of college French
- Third Year French II
- Fourth Year French I
- French Conversation
ILCF LEVEL B2: Advanced Low/Mid (9 credits)
Prerequisite: 6 semesters of college French
- Fourth Year French I
- Fourth Year French II
- French Conversation
ILCF LEVEL B2+: Advanced Mid/High (9 credits)
Prerequisite: 7 semesters of college French
- Fourth Year French II
- Seminar in French Language
- French Conversation
ILCF LEVEL C1: Advanced High (9 credits)
Prerequisite: 7+ semesters of college French
- Seminar in French Language
- French Stylistics
- French Conversation
As an official examination center, the ILCF (Institut de Langue et Culture Françaises) of Université Catholique de Lyon offers French proficiency exams at all levels: beginner, intermediate, and advanced. All IFL students take the Diplôme Universitaire d'Etudes Françaises (DUEF) examination at the end of the program; the exam fee is included in the program fee.
Elective Courses in French or English
ILF option students also take 1 to 3 elective courses (3 to 9 semester credits) taught exclusively for USAC students in addition to their intensive French language studies. Elective courses are subject to meeting enrollment minimums to run.
Multidisciplinary Studies in English Option (MSE)
Discover USAC's new multidisciplinary option in France, offering you the opportunity to explore diverse academic fields while taking the majority of your courses in English. All participants will enhance their cultural understanding through required courses in intercultural communication and French language, providing a well-rounded and immersive academic experience.Required Courses
- SpringSpeech Communications 300-level 3 credits Taught in English
This course explores human communication across cultures, analyzing how culturally-conditioned communication styles influence interactions and can lead to misunderstandings. Through the study of intercultural communication variables—such as identity, nonverbal communication, cultural adaptation, conflict, and culture shock—students will develop intercultural communication competence. By critically examining their own cultural backgrounds and engaging with diverse perspectives, students will gain the awareness and skills necessary to navigate intercultural interactions effectively in both personal and professional settings. In addition to classroom discussions and theoretical analysis, students will engage in first-hand field studies within the multicultural community of Lyon, applying course concepts to real-world interactions. Through site visits, ethnographic observations, and community engagement, students will gain practical, hands-on experience with the challenges and opportunities of intercultural communication.
AND one French language course (any level):
- First Year French I
- First Year French II
- Second Year French I
- Second Year French II
- Third Year French I
- Third Year French II
- Fourth Year French I
- Fourth Year French II
Your French language level is determined by a placement exam administered after you arrive on-site. During the first three weeks of the program, you will take a 1-credit preparatory class so that you are ready for the placement exam. Students with no prior French language study will take a 1-credit basic French conversation course instead. French language courses are taught by the Université Catholique specifically for international students.
Elective Courses in French or English
You will also take two to four elective courses (6 to 12 semester credits) taught by USAC faculty exclusively for USAC students. Course topics range from business, politics, and media to art, culture, and literature. With approval, many elective courses may be used to fulfill general education requirements. Elective courses are subject to meeting enrollment minimums to run.
Spring Semester Electives (All students)
Elective courses are open to ALL students (ISF option or MSE option.)
Courses taught in French
- SpringArt French History 300-level 3 credits Taught in French
This course explores the artistic, architectural, and urban shapes of Lyon's city and its representations through the historical point of view (from the Middle Ages until the Modern and Contemporary periods). Students will be analyzing public spaces through the ages and then classifying daily life scenes and social and cultural practices. Tours, field trips, field surveys, and visits to museums and galleries are a substantial part of the course.
Prerequisite: four semesters of college French, or equivalent
- SpringFrench Sociology 300-level 3 credits Taught in French
This course provides a strong historical and cultural foundation, exploring key topics in French culture and civilization, including history, geography, politics, and contemporary life and culture, including the French Revolution, colonialism and decolonization, while also exploring French traditions, regional identities, and nationalism. Through the lens of Lyon’s unique history and culture, from its Roman roots to its modern role as a culinary and cultural hub, this course offers a fresh perspective on what shapes life in France today.
Prerequisite: Four semesters of college-level French, or equivalent
- SpringPolitical Science Speech Communications 300-level 3 credits Taught in French
This course will introduce students to the nuances of political communication and the ways political leaders address contemporary and historical issues - international conflict, social and economic conditions, the representation of marginalized groups, among others - in speeches to the nation. Focusing on the French Presidents of the 5th Republic (1958-today) with comparative examples of national leaders in the US, Italy, and Russia, students will analyze how political speeches reflect national and cultural identities; how national political cultures impact political communication; the role of the press and social media in political communication, including foreign election interference, the spread of hate speech, and persuasive political strategies; and the broader implications for the image of political leaders and the ideologies that they represent.
Prerequisite: Four semesters of college-level French, or equivalent
- SpringFrench 300-level 3 credits Taught in French
This course explores literary movements including Romanticism, Realism, Naturalism, Symbolism, Surrealism, Theatre de l'Absurde, and Nouveau Roman literature. Students will develop the historical and theoretical foundation necessary to analyze essential French texts of late eighteenth, the nineteenth, and twentieth centuries. References to the literary and cultural context of Lyon will be made.
This course will introduce students to the works of Beaumarchais, Hugo, Modiano, among others.
Prerequisite: five semesters of college-level French; students who have completed second-year French with strong grades may be considered with home university approval
Courses taught in English
- SpringMarketing 400-level 3 credits Taught in English
In this course, students will learn the core pillars of digital marketing — content, SEO, email, analytics — and will build hands-on strategy using real AI tools, model campaigns with data analytics, and participate in a simulated marketing environment. We will explore European and global best practices, analyze live case studies, and design adaptive strategies that can survive both Gen AI and widespread market volatility. This course prepares students for digital marketing jobs and focuses on preparing them to avoid the jobs AI will eliminate and succeed in the ones AI will augment.
- SpringHistory Political Science 300-level 3 credits Taught in English
The creation of the European Union will go down in history as one of the most remarkable political achievements of the Twentieth Century. At every stage of European integration, the United States played a key role in promoting policies, favoring certain nations over others, lobbying for specific models of organization and governance and checking European ambitions in other parts of the world.
In 2019, in the wake of Brexit, of Donald Trump’s election in the United States, of Emmanuel Macron’s attempt to seize European leadership, with the rise of anti-European populist movements throughout the continent, Europe and France are faced with the most serious challenge of their history, a challenge that will test the resilience and legitimacy of its institutions and the ability of its leaders to invent a new, more democratic form of governance. To a large degree, the future of Europe is tied to the nature of the new relation it will build with the United States.
- SpringArt Art History 300-level 3 credits Taught in English
Born in late 19th century France, the Impressionist movement marked an important break with the Academic system and thus opened the door to a world of opportunities for future art movements. Concurrently, a group of artists known today as Post-Impressionists pushed Impressionism beyond its initial boundaries and prepared the way for the most influential avant-garde movements in the 20th century.
This course will examine the genesis, development, and the legacy of these two movements. We will focus on a series of prominent artists, art critics, and other art-world players who defined these two movements, as well as the socio-political and historical context of the period that shaped its progress. With the assistance of PowerPoint presentations, videos, documentaries, primary sources, and museum visits, this course provides an interactive approach to Impressionism and Post-Impressionism.
- SpringInternational Business Management 400-level 3 credits Taught in English
This course will cover topics related to the challenges of competing in a global economy. Students will acquire knowledge in strategic management in a global competitive environment and develop the ability to effectively analyze how culture impacts motivation, leadership, communication, negotiation, decision-making, HRM practices, and the management of a multicultural workforce. Additional course topics include differences between international trade – the exchange of goods and services across countries – and international business, which encompasses a broader range of cross-border operations including services, investments, and collaborative ventures; French and European Union customs system and procedures – learning how tariffs, duties, and import/export documentation work in the EU context.
- SpringPolitical Science 300-level 3 credits Taught in English
The aim of the course is to develop an understanding of international human rights, their conceptual and historical foundations, as well as the challenges faced when developing international human rights protection measures.
Throughout the course, concrete case studies and guest speakers will exemplify the international human rights protection system at universal and regional levels with a focus on the European Union. Students will acquire key skills in the application of human rights protection in a variety of areas, including women, children, religion, LGBTQI+, and refugee law.
The role of a range of non-state actors will also be discussed, including international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch.
- SpringGender, Race, and Identity Sociology 300-level 3 credits Taught in English
This course will explore historical and contemporary social institutions' influence on various interpretations of sexuality and gender, such as marriage, politics, media, religion, family, and education. Over the past few years, as Pride has attracted supporters and allies across France, poetry, fiction, and theater have been published to articulate these often unheard yet critical cultural voices. Students will develop the skills to evaluate the evolution of French LGBTQ literature throughout history and analyze questions related to its influence on French culture.
Prerequisite: one semester of college-level English composition
- SpringFrench 200-level 3 credits Taught in English
This course offers an in-depth exploration of Lyon, blending its rich historical heritage with its reputation as a hub for cultural innovation. Students will delve into the city’s iconic landmarks, monuments, and influential figures, uncovering how a small Roman settlement, Lugdunum, evolved into one of France’s most significant cities. The course will emphasize the contributions of individuals who shaped Lyon’s past and those influencing its present. Students will explore the city’s diverse neighborhoods, conduct research, and participate in a local festival while exploring topics in history, politics, art, education, immigration, customs, and leisure. With most classes taking place on-site, students will engage in field site visits to museums, public institutions, and historic sites, and interact with local people.
- SpringEnglish 300-level 3 credits Taught in English
This course will focus on the artistic, sensorial experience of Lyon through the genre of travel writing and will helps students produce clear, expressive prose, sharpen their eye for travel detail, and cultivate their individual voice through the lens of art in Lyon.
As celebrity chef Paul Bocuse said about France’s other city of lights; “Lyon is a city that makes you hungry.” This course will take on Bocuse’s concept of hungry in both real and abstract ways. Real in the sense that Lyon is the gastronomic capital of France and the whole city is engineered to coerce the taste buds into sitting down for a lengthy meal. Abstract in the sense that Lyon is not just a feast for the mouth but also for the eyes, ears, nose, skin, and mind. With Gallo-Roman ruins, art museums, sweeping cathedrals, mysterious passages, and hundreds of streets named for WWII resistance fighters, Lyon offers nourishment for a diversity of artistic appetites and sensibilities.
We will take frequent short walking excursions and visits to artistic sites and museums in Lyon and its surroundings for inspiration as well as have guest speakers from the artistic community of Lyon.
Non-credit Workshops
- Spring
This 15-hour workshop, held over five sessions of three hours each, is designed to guide participants in preparing classic French recipes that are quick and easy to recreate at home, using a minimal number of ingredients.
With an emphasis on sustainability, the workshop features local and seasonal products and demonstrates how to adapt them to create a variety of both sweet and savory dishes. Participants will also learn techniques for reducing waste in food preparation, from efficient ingredient use to creative ways of repurposing leftovers.
Hosted in a concept restaurant committed to sustainable practices, this workshop offers a practical and mindful approach to cooking, highlighting eco-friendly choices at every step, and it concludes each day with participants enjoying the meal they've prepared together.
This workshop has an additional fee.
This workshop requires a minimum enrollment of five students to run.
Additional OfferingsCourses
-
Spring
100-level
1 credit
Taught in French
This intensive A1 course introduces complete beginners to the foundational elements of the French language. It focuses on developing core communication skills—listening, speaking, reading, and writing—through practical and familiar contexts such as introducing oneself, asking for directions, shopping, or describing people and places. Emphasis is placed on pronunciation and comprehension of basic instructions and simple exchanges. Through guided activities, authentic materials, and interactive lessons, students begin to build confidence in using French for everyday tasks. The course follows an action-oriented approach, encouraging learners to engage in real-world communication tasks appropriate for A1-level users.
-
Spring
100-level
4 credits
Taught in French
This intensive A1 course introduces complete beginners to the foundational elements of the French language. It focuses on developing core communication skills—listening, speaking, reading, and writing—through practical and familiar contexts such as introducing oneself, asking for directions, shopping, or describing people and places. Emphasis is placed on pronunciation and comprehension of basic instructions and simple exchanges. Through guided activities, authentic materials, and interactive lessons, students begin to build confidence in using French for everyday tasks. The course follows an action-oriented approach, encouraging learners to engage in real-world communication tasks appropriate for A1-level users.
-
Spring
100-level
4 credits
Taught in French
This intensive A1 course introduces complete beginners to the foundational elements of the French language. It focuses on developing core communication skills—listening, speaking, reading, and writing—through practical and familiar contexts such as introducing oneself, asking for directions, shopping, or describing people and places. Emphasis is placed on pronunciation and comprehension of basic instructions and simple exchanges. Through guided activities, authentic materials, and interactive lessons, students begin to build confidence in using French for everyday tasks. The course follows an action-oriented approach, encouraging learners to engage in real-world communication tasks appropriate for A1-level users.
-
Spring
French
200-level
3 credits
Taught in French
This intensive A2 course develops the four core language skills—speaking, listening, reading, and writing—in alignment with the CEFR A2 level. The focus is on enabling students to communicate in simple and routine tasks, understand frequently used expressions related to areas of immediate relevance, and describe aspects of their background and immediate environment. Students will engage in practical exercises that reflect everyday situations, working collaboratively with peers in an immersive French environment. Through contextual practice using dialogues, articles, videos, and other resources, students will complete communicative tasks each week that build toward A2 proficiency. By the end of the course, students should feel confident in handling basic communication in French, discussing familiar topics, and managing simple transactions.
Prerequisite: two semesters of college-level French
-
Spring
French
200-level
3 credits
Taught in French
Spring
200-level
3 credits
Taught in French
This intensive A2 course develops the four core language skills—speaking, listening, reading, and writing—in alignment with the CEFR A2 level. The focus is on enabling students to communicate in simple and routine tasks, understand frequently used expressions related to areas of immediate relevance, and describe aspects of their background and immediate environment. Students will engage in practical exercises that reflect everyday situations, working collaboratively with peers in an immersive French environment. Through contextual practice using dialogues, articles, videos, and other resources, students will complete communicative tasks each week that build toward A2 proficiency. By the end of the course, students should feel confident in handling basic communication in French, discussing familiar topics, and managing simple transactions.
Prerequisite: two semesters of college-level French, or equivalent
-
Spring
French
200-level
3 credits
Taught in French
Spring
200-level
3 credits
Taught in French
This intensive A2 course develops the four core language skills—speaking, listening, reading, and writing—in alignment with the CEFR A2 level. The focus is on enabling students to communicate in simple and routine tasks, understand frequently used expressions related to areas of immediate relevance, and describe aspects of their background and immediate environment. Students will engage in practical exercises that reflect everyday situations, working collaboratively with peers in an immersive French environment. Through contextual practice using dialogues, articles, videos, and other resources, students will complete communicative tasks each week that build toward A2 proficiency. By the end of the course, students should feel confident in handling basic communication in French, discussing familiar topics, and managing simple transactions.
Prerequisite: three semesters of college-level French, or equivalent
-
Spring
French
300-level
3 credits
Taught in French
This intensive B1 course develops the four core language skills – speaking, listening, reading, and writing – in alignment with the CEFR B1 level. The focus is on fostering autonomy in everyday communication and engaging with relevant social and cultural topics. Students will work in an immersive French environment, collaborating with international peers on tasks that reflect real-life situations. Through an action-oriented approach, students will practice French in context (using dialogues, articles, videos, etc.) and complete communicative tasks each week that build toward B1 proficiency. By the end of the course, students should feel confident functioning in French in daily life scenarios and discussing familiar subjects.
Prerequisite: four semesters of college-level French, or equivalent
-
Spring
French
300-level
3 credits
Taught in French
Spring
300-level
3 credits
Taught in French
This intensive B1 course develops the four core language skills – speaking, listening, reading, and writing – in alignment with the CEFR B1 level. The focus is on fostering autonomy in everyday communication and engaging with relevant social and cultural topics. Students will work in an immersive French environment, collaborating with international peers on tasks that reflect real-life situations. Through an action-oriented approach, students will practice French in context (using dialogues, articles, videos, etc.) and complete communicative tasks each week that build toward B1 proficiency. By the end of the course, students should feel confident functioning in French in daily life scenarios and discussing familiar subjects.
Prerequisite: four semesters of college-level French, or equivalent
-
Spring
French
300-level
3 credits
Taught in French
Spring
300-level
3 credits
Taught in French
This intensive B1 course develops the four core language skills – speaking, listening, reading, and writing – in alignment with the CEFR B1 level. The focus is on fostering autonomy in everyday communication and engaging with relevant social and cultural topics. Students will work in an immersive French environment, collaborating with international peers on tasks that reflect real-life situations. Through an action-oriented approach, students will practice French in context (using dialogues, articles, videos, etc.) and complete communicative tasks each week that build toward B1 proficiency. By the end of the course, students should feel confident functioning in French in daily life scenarios and discussing familiar subjects.
Prerequisite: five semesters of college-level French, or equivalent
-
Spring
French
400-level
3 credits
Taught in French
Spring
400-level
3 credits
Taught in French
This intensive B2 course further develops the four core language skills—speaking, listening, reading, and writing—in alignment with the CEFR B2 level. The focus is on strengthening students’ ability to communicate clearly and effectively in a range of formal and informal contexts, including academic, professional, and social settings. Through an action-oriented and immersive approach, students engage with authentic materials such as articles, interviews, debates, podcasts, and reports to explore complex topics in French society and culture. Students practice expressing and justifying opinions, analyzing issues, summarizing points of view, and interacting fluently with peers on abstract and nuanced subjects. Emphasis is placed on expanding lexical and grammatical precision, using appropriate registers, and improving argumentation and discourse organization. By the end of the course, students should feel confident using French with fluency and spontaneity in real-world situations and discussions involving current events and cultural debates.
Prerequisite: six semesters of college-level French, or equivalent
-
Spring
French
400-level
3 credits
Taught in French
Spring
400-level
3 credits
Taught in French
This intensive B2 course further develops the four core language skills—speaking, listening, reading, and writing—in alignment with the CEFR B2 level. The focus is on strengthening students’ ability to communicate clearly and effectively in a range of formal and informal contexts, including academic, professional, and social settings. Through an action-oriented and immersive approach, students engage with authentic materials such as articles, interviews, debates, podcasts, and reports to explore complex topics in French society and culture. Students practice expressing and justifying opinions, analyzing issues, summarizing points of view, and interacting fluently with peers on abstract and nuanced subjects. Emphasis is placed on expanding lexical and grammatical precision, using appropriate registers, and improving argumentation and discourse organization. By the end of the course, students should feel confident using French with fluency and spontaneity in real-world situations and discussions involving current events and cultural debates.
Prerequisite: seven semesters of college-level French, or equivalent
-
Spring
300-level
3 credits
Taught in French
This intensive B2 course further develops the four core language skills—speaking, listening, reading, and writing—in alignment with the CEFR B2 level. The focus is on strengthening students’ ability to communicate clearly and effectively in a range of formal and informal contexts, including academic, professional, and social settings. Through an action-oriented and immersive approach, students engage with authentic materials such as articles, interviews, debates, podcasts, and reports to explore complex topics in French society and culture. Students practice expressing and justifying opinions, analyzing issues, summarizing points of view, and interacting fluently with peers on abstract and nuanced subjects. Emphasis is placed on expanding lexical and grammatical precision, using appropriate registers, and improving argumentation and discourse organization. By the end of the course, students should feel confident using French with fluency and spontaneity in real-world situations and discussions involving current events and cultural debates.
Prerequisite: six semesters of college-level French, or equivalent
-
Spring
400-level
3 credits
Taught in French
This intensive C1 course aims to consolidate and elevate advanced French language skills in alignment with the CEFR C1 level.The course focuses on mastering fluent, spontaneous, and precise expression across a wide range of social, professional, academic, and cultural contexts. Through an action-oriented approach and full immersion in French, students explore complex ideas using authentic materials such as opinion articles, essays, political debates, literary excerpts, podcasts, and documentaries. Learners engage in in-depth discussions, produce well-structured arguments, analyze nuanced texts, and participate in simulations of real-world communication, such as public speaking, debate, and academic writing. Emphasis is placed on advanced grammar, rhetorical organization, and stylistic flexibility, including appropriate register, cultural references, and idiomatic expression. By the end of the course, students will be able to communicate with ease, structure discourse effectively, and express sophisticated opinions with clarity and coherence.
Prerequisite: seven semesters of college-level French, or equivalent
-
Spring
French
400-level
3 credits
Taught in French
Spring
400-level
3 credits
Taught in French
This intensive C1 course aims to consolidate and elevate advanced French language skills in alignment with the CEFR C1 level.The course focuses on mastering fluent, spontaneous, and precise expression across a wide range of social, professional, academic, and cultural contexts. Through an action-oriented approach and full immersion in French, students explore complex ideas using authentic materials such as opinion articles, essays, political debates, literary excerpts, podcasts, and documentaries. Learners engage in in-depth discussions, produce well-structured arguments, analyze nuanced texts, and participate in simulations of real-world communication, such as public speaking, debate, and academic writing. Emphasis is placed on advanced grammar, rhetorical organization, and stylistic flexibility, including appropriate register, cultural references, and idiomatic expression. By the end of the course, students will be able to communicate with ease, structure discourse effectively, and express sophisticated opinions with clarity and coherence.
Prerequisite: Seven semesters of college-level French, or equivalent
-
Spring
French
400-level
3 credits
Taught in French
Spring
400-level
3 credits
Taught in French
This intensive C1 course aims to consolidate and elevate advanced French language skills in alignment with the CEFR C1 level.The course focuses on mastering fluent, spontaneous, and precise expression across a wide range of social, professional, academic, and cultural contexts. Through an action-oriented approach and full immersion in French, students explore complex ideas using authentic materials such as opinion articles, essays, political debates, literary excerpts, podcasts, and documentaries. Learners engage in in-depth discussions, produce well-structured arguments, analyze nuanced texts, and participate in simulations of real-world communication, such as public speaking, debate, and academic writing. Emphasis is placed on advanced grammar, rhetorical organization, and stylistic flexibility, including appropriate register, cultural references, and idiomatic expression. By the end of the course, students will be able to communicate with ease, structure discourse effectively, and express sophisticated opinions with clarity and coherence.
Prerequisite: Seven semesters of college-level French, or equivalent
-
Spring
Sociology
300-level
3 credits
Taught in English
This course examines the historical, social, and cultural intersections of France and Mediterranean societies, focusing on Francophone cultures and their connections with the Mediterranean region. Topics include the impact of colonialism, migration, identity, language, gender, and the shared cultural heritage of Mediterranean societies. The course aims to highlight the ways in which diverse cultural influences have shaped contemporary Francophone Mediterranean societies. Emphasis will be placed on societal, political, and cultural developments through historical and contemporary case studies.
Courses
- Spring100-level 1 credit Taught in French
This intensive A1 course introduces complete beginners to the foundational elements of the French language. It focuses on developing core communication skills—listening, speaking, reading, and writing—through practical and familiar contexts such as introducing oneself, asking for directions, shopping, or describing people and places. Emphasis is placed on pronunciation and comprehension of basic instructions and simple exchanges. Through guided activities, authentic materials, and interactive lessons, students begin to build confidence in using French for everyday tasks. The course follows an action-oriented approach, encouraging learners to engage in real-world communication tasks appropriate for A1-level users.
- Spring100-level 4 credits Taught in French
This intensive A1 course introduces complete beginners to the foundational elements of the French language. It focuses on developing core communication skills—listening, speaking, reading, and writing—through practical and familiar contexts such as introducing oneself, asking for directions, shopping, or describing people and places. Emphasis is placed on pronunciation and comprehension of basic instructions and simple exchanges. Through guided activities, authentic materials, and interactive lessons, students begin to build confidence in using French for everyday tasks. The course follows an action-oriented approach, encouraging learners to engage in real-world communication tasks appropriate for A1-level users.
- Spring100-level 4 credits Taught in French
This intensive A1 course introduces complete beginners to the foundational elements of the French language. It focuses on developing core communication skills—listening, speaking, reading, and writing—through practical and familiar contexts such as introducing oneself, asking for directions, shopping, or describing people and places. Emphasis is placed on pronunciation and comprehension of basic instructions and simple exchanges. Through guided activities, authentic materials, and interactive lessons, students begin to build confidence in using French for everyday tasks. The course follows an action-oriented approach, encouraging learners to engage in real-world communication tasks appropriate for A1-level users.
- SpringFrench 200-level 3 credits Taught in French
This intensive A2 course develops the four core language skills—speaking, listening, reading, and writing—in alignment with the CEFR A2 level. The focus is on enabling students to communicate in simple and routine tasks, understand frequently used expressions related to areas of immediate relevance, and describe aspects of their background and immediate environment. Students will engage in practical exercises that reflect everyday situations, working collaboratively with peers in an immersive French environment. Through contextual practice using dialogues, articles, videos, and other resources, students will complete communicative tasks each week that build toward A2 proficiency. By the end of the course, students should feel confident in handling basic communication in French, discussing familiar topics, and managing simple transactions.
Prerequisite: two semesters of college-level French
- SpringFrench 200-level 3 credits Taught in FrenchSpring200-level 3 credits Taught in French
This intensive A2 course develops the four core language skills—speaking, listening, reading, and writing—in alignment with the CEFR A2 level. The focus is on enabling students to communicate in simple and routine tasks, understand frequently used expressions related to areas of immediate relevance, and describe aspects of their background and immediate environment. Students will engage in practical exercises that reflect everyday situations, working collaboratively with peers in an immersive French environment. Through contextual practice using dialogues, articles, videos, and other resources, students will complete communicative tasks each week that build toward A2 proficiency. By the end of the course, students should feel confident in handling basic communication in French, discussing familiar topics, and managing simple transactions.
Prerequisite: two semesters of college-level French, or equivalent
- SpringFrench 200-level 3 credits Taught in FrenchSpring200-level 3 credits Taught in French
This intensive A2 course develops the four core language skills—speaking, listening, reading, and writing—in alignment with the CEFR A2 level. The focus is on enabling students to communicate in simple and routine tasks, understand frequently used expressions related to areas of immediate relevance, and describe aspects of their background and immediate environment. Students will engage in practical exercises that reflect everyday situations, working collaboratively with peers in an immersive French environment. Through contextual practice using dialogues, articles, videos, and other resources, students will complete communicative tasks each week that build toward A2 proficiency. By the end of the course, students should feel confident in handling basic communication in French, discussing familiar topics, and managing simple transactions.
Prerequisite: three semesters of college-level French, or equivalent
- SpringFrench 300-level 3 credits Taught in French
This intensive B1 course develops the four core language skills – speaking, listening, reading, and writing – in alignment with the CEFR B1 level. The focus is on fostering autonomy in everyday communication and engaging with relevant social and cultural topics. Students will work in an immersive French environment, collaborating with international peers on tasks that reflect real-life situations. Through an action-oriented approach, students will practice French in context (using dialogues, articles, videos, etc.) and complete communicative tasks each week that build toward B1 proficiency. By the end of the course, students should feel confident functioning in French in daily life scenarios and discussing familiar subjects.
Prerequisite: four semesters of college-level French, or equivalent
- SpringFrench 300-level 3 credits Taught in FrenchSpring300-level 3 credits Taught in French
This intensive B1 course develops the four core language skills – speaking, listening, reading, and writing – in alignment with the CEFR B1 level. The focus is on fostering autonomy in everyday communication and engaging with relevant social and cultural topics. Students will work in an immersive French environment, collaborating with international peers on tasks that reflect real-life situations. Through an action-oriented approach, students will practice French in context (using dialogues, articles, videos, etc.) and complete communicative tasks each week that build toward B1 proficiency. By the end of the course, students should feel confident functioning in French in daily life scenarios and discussing familiar subjects.
Prerequisite: four semesters of college-level French, or equivalent
- SpringFrench 300-level 3 credits Taught in FrenchSpring300-level 3 credits Taught in French
This intensive B1 course develops the four core language skills – speaking, listening, reading, and writing – in alignment with the CEFR B1 level. The focus is on fostering autonomy in everyday communication and engaging with relevant social and cultural topics. Students will work in an immersive French environment, collaborating with international peers on tasks that reflect real-life situations. Through an action-oriented approach, students will practice French in context (using dialogues, articles, videos, etc.) and complete communicative tasks each week that build toward B1 proficiency. By the end of the course, students should feel confident functioning in French in daily life scenarios and discussing familiar subjects.
Prerequisite: five semesters of college-level French, or equivalent
- SpringFrench 400-level 3 credits Taught in FrenchSpring400-level 3 credits Taught in French
This intensive B2 course further develops the four core language skills—speaking, listening, reading, and writing—in alignment with the CEFR B2 level. The focus is on strengthening students’ ability to communicate clearly and effectively in a range of formal and informal contexts, including academic, professional, and social settings. Through an action-oriented and immersive approach, students engage with authentic materials such as articles, interviews, debates, podcasts, and reports to explore complex topics in French society and culture. Students practice expressing and justifying opinions, analyzing issues, summarizing points of view, and interacting fluently with peers on abstract and nuanced subjects. Emphasis is placed on expanding lexical and grammatical precision, using appropriate registers, and improving argumentation and discourse organization. By the end of the course, students should feel confident using French with fluency and spontaneity in real-world situations and discussions involving current events and cultural debates.
Prerequisite: six semesters of college-level French, or equivalent
- SpringFrench 400-level 3 credits Taught in FrenchSpring400-level 3 credits Taught in French
This intensive B2 course further develops the four core language skills—speaking, listening, reading, and writing—in alignment with the CEFR B2 level. The focus is on strengthening students’ ability to communicate clearly and effectively in a range of formal and informal contexts, including academic, professional, and social settings. Through an action-oriented and immersive approach, students engage with authentic materials such as articles, interviews, debates, podcasts, and reports to explore complex topics in French society and culture. Students practice expressing and justifying opinions, analyzing issues, summarizing points of view, and interacting fluently with peers on abstract and nuanced subjects. Emphasis is placed on expanding lexical and grammatical precision, using appropriate registers, and improving argumentation and discourse organization. By the end of the course, students should feel confident using French with fluency and spontaneity in real-world situations and discussions involving current events and cultural debates.
Prerequisite: seven semesters of college-level French, or equivalent
- Spring300-level 3 credits Taught in French
This intensive B2 course further develops the four core language skills—speaking, listening, reading, and writing—in alignment with the CEFR B2 level. The focus is on strengthening students’ ability to communicate clearly and effectively in a range of formal and informal contexts, including academic, professional, and social settings. Through an action-oriented and immersive approach, students engage with authentic materials such as articles, interviews, debates, podcasts, and reports to explore complex topics in French society and culture. Students practice expressing and justifying opinions, analyzing issues, summarizing points of view, and interacting fluently with peers on abstract and nuanced subjects. Emphasis is placed on expanding lexical and grammatical precision, using appropriate registers, and improving argumentation and discourse organization. By the end of the course, students should feel confident using French with fluency and spontaneity in real-world situations and discussions involving current events and cultural debates.
Prerequisite: six semesters of college-level French, or equivalent
- Spring400-level 3 credits Taught in French
This intensive C1 course aims to consolidate and elevate advanced French language skills in alignment with the CEFR C1 level.The course focuses on mastering fluent, spontaneous, and precise expression across a wide range of social, professional, academic, and cultural contexts. Through an action-oriented approach and full immersion in French, students explore complex ideas using authentic materials such as opinion articles, essays, political debates, literary excerpts, podcasts, and documentaries. Learners engage in in-depth discussions, produce well-structured arguments, analyze nuanced texts, and participate in simulations of real-world communication, such as public speaking, debate, and academic writing. Emphasis is placed on advanced grammar, rhetorical organization, and stylistic flexibility, including appropriate register, cultural references, and idiomatic expression. By the end of the course, students will be able to communicate with ease, structure discourse effectively, and express sophisticated opinions with clarity and coherence.
Prerequisite: seven semesters of college-level French, or equivalent
- SpringFrench 400-level 3 credits Taught in FrenchSpring400-level 3 credits Taught in French
This intensive C1 course aims to consolidate and elevate advanced French language skills in alignment with the CEFR C1 level.The course focuses on mastering fluent, spontaneous, and precise expression across a wide range of social, professional, academic, and cultural contexts. Through an action-oriented approach and full immersion in French, students explore complex ideas using authentic materials such as opinion articles, essays, political debates, literary excerpts, podcasts, and documentaries. Learners engage in in-depth discussions, produce well-structured arguments, analyze nuanced texts, and participate in simulations of real-world communication, such as public speaking, debate, and academic writing. Emphasis is placed on advanced grammar, rhetorical organization, and stylistic flexibility, including appropriate register, cultural references, and idiomatic expression. By the end of the course, students will be able to communicate with ease, structure discourse effectively, and express sophisticated opinions with clarity and coherence.
Prerequisite: Seven semesters of college-level French, or equivalent
- SpringFrench 400-level 3 credits Taught in FrenchSpring400-level 3 credits Taught in French
This intensive C1 course aims to consolidate and elevate advanced French language skills in alignment with the CEFR C1 level.The course focuses on mastering fluent, spontaneous, and precise expression across a wide range of social, professional, academic, and cultural contexts. Through an action-oriented approach and full immersion in French, students explore complex ideas using authentic materials such as opinion articles, essays, political debates, literary excerpts, podcasts, and documentaries. Learners engage in in-depth discussions, produce well-structured arguments, analyze nuanced texts, and participate in simulations of real-world communication, such as public speaking, debate, and academic writing. Emphasis is placed on advanced grammar, rhetorical organization, and stylistic flexibility, including appropriate register, cultural references, and idiomatic expression. By the end of the course, students will be able to communicate with ease, structure discourse effectively, and express sophisticated opinions with clarity and coherence.
Prerequisite: Seven semesters of college-level French, or equivalent
- SpringSociology 300-level 3 credits Taught in English
This course examines the historical, social, and cultural intersections of France and Mediterranean societies, focusing on Francophone cultures and their connections with the Mediterranean region. Topics include the impact of colonialism, migration, identity, language, gender, and the shared cultural heritage of Mediterranean societies. The course aims to highlight the ways in which diverse cultural influences have shaped contemporary Francophone Mediterranean societies. Emphasis will be placed on societal, political, and cultural developments through historical and contemporary case studies.