Pau Courses – 2025 Summer Session I
Studying abroad can be a more meaningful and invigorating learning experience than at home—both inside and outside of the classroom. You may be more curious and alert than you usually are so use this heightened energy to enhance your studies as well as your cultural and geographical explorations. You may also encounter different teaching styles and course processes; be prepared to adapt and to learn.
Courses
You may take three to seven credits in Session I and three to six credits in Session II. At least one 3-credit course is required each session you are enrolled. Course availability is contingent on student enrollment and is subject to change.
Click the course title to view course details, description, and availability.
French Language Studies
In Session I, there is no language requirement. In Session II, you will choose a 3-credit French language course. A 1-credit French conversation course is required for students at the intermediate level and higher in Session II. Language courses have a maximum enrollment of 15 students each.
Session I and Session II
- Summer Session IFrench World Languages and Literatures 100-level 4 credits Taught in FrenchSummer Session IIFrench World Languages and Literatures 100-level 4 credits Taught in French
Introduction to the language through the development of language skills and through structural analysis. The fundamentals of French grammar (all verb tenses), vocabulary and useful expressions are studied. The goals of these courses are to build reading, writing, listening and above all speaking skills and to enable the students to handle basic communicative tasks and social situations.
- Summer Session IFrench World Languages and Literatures 100-level 4 credits Taught in FrenchSummer Session IIFrench World Languages and Literatures 100-level 4 credits Taught in French
Introduction to the language through the development of language skills and through structural analysis. The fundamentals of French grammar (all verb tenses), vocabulary and useful expressions are studied. The goals of these courses are to build reading, writing, listening and above all speaking skills and to enable the students to handle basic communicative tasks and social situations.
Prerequisite: one semester of college-level French, or equivalent
- Summer Session IFrench World Languages and Literatures 200-level 3 credits Taught in FrenchSummer Session IIFrench World Languages and Literatures 200-level 3 credits Taught in French
These courses involve a review and deeper study of the structure of the French language and the French culture. Practice of oral and written communication: speeches, discussions, interviews, role-playing, writing messages, statements, letters and stories. Practice of listening and reading comprehension through authentic materials such as news, films and literary texts.
Prerequisite: two semesters of college-level French, or equivalent
- Summer Session IFrench World Languages and Literatures 200-level 3 credits Taught in FrenchSummer Session IIFrench World Languages and Literatures 200-level 3 credits Taught in French
These courses involve a review and deeper study of the structure of the French language and the French culture. Practice of oral and written communication: speeches, discussions, interviews, role-playing, writing messages, statements, letters and stories. Practice of listening and reading comprehension through authentic materials such as news, films and literary texts.
Prerequisite: three semesters of college-level French, or equivalent
- Summer Session IFrench World Languages and Literatures 300-level 3 credits Taught in FrenchSummer Session IIFrench World Languages and Literatures 300-level 3 credits Taught in French
Classes revolve around compositions that the student writes frequently on a variety of topics. Part of the class is used to correct the composition or exercises, which the student does outside of class and on teaching the necessary expressions and structures for essay writing. The goal of these courses is to enable the students to express themselves effectively in formal and informal writing on practical, social and professional topics and to achieve a personal style in written French.
Prerequisite: four semesters of college-level French, or equivalent
- Summer Session IFrench World Languages and Literatures 300-level 3 credits Taught in FrenchSummer Session IIFrench World Languages and Literatures 300-level 3 credits Taught in French
Classes revolve around compositions that the student writes frequently on a variety of topics. Part of the class is used to correct the composition or exercises, which the student does outside of class and on teaching the necessary expressions and structures for essay writing. The goal of these courses is to enable the students to express themselves effectively in formal and informal writing on practical, social and professional topics and to achieve a personal style in written French.
Prerequisite: five semesters of college-level French, or equivalent
- Summer Session IFrench World Languages and Literatures 400-level 3 credits Taught in FrenchSummer Session IIFrench World Languages and Literatures 400-level 3 credits Taught in French
Designed to improve the knowledge and expressive capabilities of advanced language students. Readings of narrative, drama, poetry, essays and journalism are analyzed for style, for the meaning of vocabulary in precise context and serve as a basis for subsequent discussion. Close study of the register of the French language and transposition exercises. Students work to strengthen their own personal style through frequent written assignments.
Prerequisite: six semesters of college-level French, or equivalent
- Summer Session IFrench World Languages and Literatures 400-level 3 credits Taught in FrenchSummer Session IIFrench World Languages and Literatures 400-level 3 credits Taught in French
Designed to improve the knowledge and expressive capabilities of advanced language students. Readings of narrative, drama, poetry, essays and journalism are analyzed for style, for the meaning of vocabulary in precise context and serve as a basis for subsequent discussion. Close study of the register of the French language and transposition exercises. Students work to strengthen their own personal style through frequent written assignments.
Prerequisite: seven semesters of college-level French, or equivalent
- Summer Session IFrench 300-level 1 credit Taught in FrenchSummer Session IIFrench 300-level 1 credit Taught in French
Acquisition and improvement of communicative and linguistic terms with the help of a constant interaction between teachers and students.
Active listening and participation, contribution to written and oral activities.
Presentation of the results of short research projects followed by debates.
- Utilized methods and documents:
In turn; Communicative exercises of progressive French grammar of an intermediate level; Cadences 2; etc...
Articles from the press (Le Monde, Libération, Télérama, Courrier International...)
Radio and television reports about present day society that foster oral expression by way of in-class debate.
Prerequisite: twosemesters of college-level French, or equivalent
Electives
These elective courses are designed to familiarize you with the region.
Session I
- Summer Session IAnthropology Nutrition 200-level 3 credits Taught in English
Coming Soon!
- Summer Session IFrench 300-level 3 credits Taught in French
This course will expose students to various aspects of French society and provide students a space to develop a more meaningful understanding of French culture. In addition, students will strengthen their foundational knowledge of French political, social, and education systems and develop the ability to analyze highly debated issues such as immigration and religion.
Prerequisite: four semesters of college-level French, or equivalent
- Summer Session IFrench Theater 400-level 3 credits Taught in French
This course is designed for students who need to take advanced level French courses or who want to learn more about Molière and the classical French theater. Students will enjoy watching the famous play Tartuffe in the beautiful Théâtre St Louis in the city center of Pau. In this class the students will read plays and work on the language of the Classiques. They will analyze the versification, understand what is comic in the Molière’s plays and analyze theatrical texts “Explication de texte à la française”. The course is also the occasion to play scenes of Molière and is ideal for the students who want to improve their oral skills, in particular their fluency, pronunciation, and intonation.
Prerequisite: six semesters of college-level French, or equivalent
- Summer Session IArt 200-level 1 credit Taught in French
Art history of western Europe through the 17th century, with particular emphasis on country specific art. For example, students in France will study influential French artists along with important European artists of that period. The art and vision of the world of each period are studied through architecture, sculpture and painting, including: Romanesque art (the great cathedrals) and the Renaissance (da Vinci, Michelangelo, El Greco). The objectives of the course are to develop a more complete knowledge of European and local culture through art and to learn to identify, analyze and appreciate works of art.
Prerequisite: four semesters of college-level French, or equivalent
- Summer Session IEnvironmental Science Geography 300-level 3 credits Taught in English
Sustainability is the goal of maintaining natural systems and human societies on Earth. The multitude of challenges to sustainability, such as warming climate, ecological damage, population pressure, and social turmoil, make this a critical topic of study worldwide. In this course we will set the stage with the basic elements of sustainability in France, a nation with rich natural resources and strong environmental programs but facing numerous challenges. We will explore the environmental, economic, and social dimensions of sustainability in the French Republic in Europe as well as the Overseas Territories. Challenges to sustainability provide knowledge for our understanding of the strengths and limitations of current French policies and actions. Case studies will range from livable cities to agriculture to the wine industry. The intersection of gender, ethnicity, race, and sexuality with sustainability is a key theme. Finally, the broader context of France in the world as a member of the European Union, World Trade Organization, and United Nations helps us place France as a global actor in the interconnected network of international sustainability. This course will prepare you for analyzing environmental and social issues related to sustainability and leave them with an appreciation for the practical challenges that face French society—and the world—in this century. Pau´s location in southwestern France provides excellent opportunities to study and visit sustainability projects.
Introductory coursework in biology, ecology, economics, political science, international affairs, or resource management recommended
Session II
- Summer Session IIAnthropology Sociology World Languages and Literatures 200-level 1 credit Taught in English
In this course we will examine the major social, political and historical events and movements of the 20th century, which have helped create French thought and culture. Readings for the study and exploration of topics include French culture, character, society, history, language and education, and will be taken from a number of sources - literary, scholarly and popular. When appropriate, students will take field trips to local points of cultural interest.
- Summer Session IIEnvironmental Science Geology 300-level 1 credit Taught in English
This course focuses on environmental studies and the geology of the Pyrenees, a 300 km-long mountain range with numerous peaks higher than 3000m located near Pau. Through lectures and field trips, students will observe and understand spectacular examples of climate change, risk hazard, and a new paradigm of mountain building.
- Summer Session IIFrench 300-level 1 credit Taught in French
This course analyzes French history, politics, society, and the experience of living in France as shown through French music from the 20th century to today, focusing on the evolution of French music during the past 50 years
Prerequisite: four semesters of college-level French, or equivalent
- Summer Session IIFrench 400-level 3 credits Taught in French
This course is specifically designed for students with an advanced knowledge who want to augment their ability to comprehend spoken French and to express themselves more fluently in French.
Prerequisite: six semesters of college-level French, or equivalent
- Summer Session IIFrench 300-level 1 credit Taught in French
Travail sur l'articulation, la prononciation, l'intonation, travail sur le corps, les émotions, l'imaginaire, travail sur des textes d'auteurs contemporains avec correction phonétique, pratique de certaines structures grammaticales adaptés au niveaux des étudiants.
Produire un spectacle en français à l'université devant un public d'étudiants et de personnel de l'Université à la fin du cours.
Prerequisite: two semesters of college-level French, or equivalent
To request a course syllabus: syllabus@usac.edu
U.S. Visiting Professors
While most USAC courses are taught by local faculty, the following U.S. professor will also teach in this program:
Summer Session I, 2025
Course: Sustainability in France
Sara Rinfret, Ph.D., Northern Arizona University
Dr. Sara Rinfret is Professor of Public Administration and Political Science at Northern Arizona University and has global expertise in environmental policy. She has served in numerous leadership roles from Associate Vice Provost, Acting Dean, Department Chair, and Director of Master of Public Administration. She has taught courses on Policy Analysis and Evaluation, Climate Policy, and European Environmental Policy, among others.