Pau Courses – 2026 Summer Session I
Academics
Pau is an ideal destination for students looking to immerse themselves in the French language and culture. The city offers a rich cultural and historic setting, where daily life provides countless opportunities to practice French. Its diverse natural landscapes and proximity to the Pyrenees makes it an ideal setting for hands-on learning about climate change, environmental management, and sustainability practices giving you real-world exposure to contemporary environmental challenges in France.
You will enroll in 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. 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. Course availability is contingent upon student enrollment and is subject to change.
Courses Offered
Course availability is contingent upon scheduling constraints, meeting enrollment minimums, and is subject to change. View course details and descriptions.
Courses marked with an asterisk* are taught in French
Summer Session I
French Language
- 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*
- French Conversation*
European Studies & Sustainability
- Food and Culture
- France Today*
- Artistic Movements in France and Europe*
- Sustainability in France
Summer Session II
French Language
- 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*
- French Conversation*
- Seminar in French Language*
European Studies & Sustainability
- Contemporary French Culture and Civilization
- Environmental Geology of the Pyrenees
- La Chanson Française: Then and Now*
- Survey of Art: European/Western Art*
- Theatre in French*
U.S. Visiting Professors
While most USAC courses are taught by local faculty, we are excited to have the following U.S. professor(s) teach with us in Pau this summer:
Summer Session I
Gabrielle Bachand, University of Nevada, Reno
Course: Sustainability in France
Gabrielle Bachand is a Lecturer at the College of Engineering at University of Nevada, Reno where she teaches courses in Engineering Communications and Sustainability. She holds degrees in Chemical Engineering and Materials Science. Gabrielle Bachand has previous experience with Disney Imagineering and Panasonic Energy of North America as well as experience traveling to Scotland, Japan, and British Columbia, She is excited to help students discover how transformative international education can be.
USAC Course Descriptions
Click the course title to view course details, description and availability. To request a course syllabus: syllabus@usac.edu
- 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 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 IAnthropology Nutrition 300-level 3 credits Taught in English
This course offers an in-depth exploration of French cuisine, its cultural significance, and its connection to French history, geography, culture, and society. Students will delve into how food practices in France have evolved over centuries, shaped by regional influences and political changes, examining the ways in which meals, ingredients, and dining rituals reflect the diversity of French culture and identity. Topics include traditional French cooking techniques, the importance of wine and cheese, the art of pâtisserie, and the influence of French cuisine on global gastronomy. In addition, students will study the relationship between food and social practices, such as family meals, holidays, and the growing movement toward sustainability and local sourcing. Through readings, discussions, and hands-on experiences, students will not only gain a deep appreciation for French food traditions but also understand how food serves as a mirror of societal values, such as hospitality, community, and regional pride.
- 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 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 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:
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: two 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 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 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 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 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
- 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
- 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