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Pau Courses – 2027 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 five 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.

Summer Session I Courses Summer Session II Courses

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

  • Artistic Movements in France and Europe*
  • Food and Culture
  • France Today*
  • 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

  • Artistic Movements in France and Europe*
  • Contemporary French Culture and Civilization
  • La Chanson Française: Then and Now*
  • Theatre in French*

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, 2027

Course: Sustainability in France

Callie Berman, Ph.D., University of Wyoming

Dr. Berman is a sustainability scholar and conservation social scientist with the University of Wyoming’s Ruckelshaus Institute. Her work spans the grassland systems of Central Asia and the rangelands of North America. She holds a Ph.D. in Development Studies from the University of Cambridge where she examined cultural dimensions of natural resource knowledge across pastoral-nomadic peoples in Eurasia. She has a Bachelor of Science in Geology and Environment and Natural Resources, alongside a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from the University of Wyoming. Her research and teaching philosophy foregrounds the diversity of sociocultural practices through which communities around the world relate to, manage, and give meaning to their environments.

USAC Course Descriptions

Click the course title to view course details, description and availability. To request a course syllabus: syllabus@usac.edu

  • Summer Session I
    Art French 300-level 3 credits Taught in French
    Summer Session II
    Art French 200-level 1 credit Taught in French

    This course examines the major artistic movements in France and Europe from prehistory to today through an analysis of key themes, characteristics, areas of influence, and artists of each movement. Through an examination of painting, sculpture, architecture, and music, students will explore how artists engaged with religious reform, political power, scientific discovery, among other topics as they contextualize major artistic movements in their broader cultural and historical settings.

    Prerequisite: four semesters of college-level French, or equivalent

  • Summer Session II
    Anthropology 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.

  • First Year French I
  • First Year French II
  • Summer Session I
    Anthropology 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.

  • Fourth Year French I
  • Fourth Year French II
  • Summer Session I
    French 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 I
    French World Languages and Literatures 300-level 1 credit Taught in French
    Summer Session II
    French World Languages and Literatures 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 II
    French 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

  • Second Year French I
  • Second Year French II
  • Seminar in French Language
  • Summer Session I
    Environmental 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 II
    French 300-level 1 credit Taught in French

    This course focuses on the development of French language proficiency and acting skills including, articulation, pronunciation, intonation as well as body work, emotions, and imagination through a live production of a work by a contemporary playwright in French.

    Prerequisite: two semesters of college-level French, or equivalent

  • Third Year French I
  • Third Year French II

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Additional Offerings

Courses

  • Summer Session I
    French World Languages and Literatures 100-level 4 credits Taught in French
    Summer Session II
    French World Languages and Literatures 100-level 4 credits Taught in French

    This course introduces beginners to the foundational elements of the French language and develops the four core language skills—listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The focus is on practical and familiar contexts such as introducing oneself, asking for directions, shopping, or describing people and places. Emphasis is placed on pronunciation, 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. Students will engage in practical exercises that reflect everyday situations, working collaboratively with peers in an immersive French environment.

  • Summer Session I
    French World Languages and Literatures 100-level 4 credits Taught in French
    Summer Session II
    French World Languages and Literatures 100-level 4 credits Taught in French

    This course introduces beginners to the foundational elements of the French language and develops the four core language skills—listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The focus is on practical and familiar contexts such as introducing oneself, asking for directions, shopping, or describing people and places. Emphasis is placed on pronunciation, 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. Students will engage in practical exercises that reflect everyday situations, working collaboratively with peers in an immersive French environment.

    Prerequisite: One semester of college-level French, or equivalent

  • Summer Session I
    French World Languages and Literatures 200-level 3 credits Taught in French
    Summer Session II
    French World Languages and Literatures 200-level 3 credits Taught in French

    This intensive course develops the four core language skills—speaking, listening, reading, and writing. 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. 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

  • Summer Session I
    French World Languages and Literatures 200-level 3 credits Taught in French
    Summer Session II
    French World Languages and Literatures 200-level 3 credits Taught in French

    This intensive course develops the four core language skills—speaking, listening, reading, and writing. 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. 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

  • Summer Session I
    French World Languages and Literatures 300-level 3 credits Taught in French
    Summer Session II
    French World Languages and Literatures 300-level 3 credits Taught in French

    This intensive course develops the four core language skills – speaking, listening, reading, and writing 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. 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

  • Summer Session I
    French World Languages and Literatures 300-level 3 credits Taught in French
    Summer Session II
    French World Languages and Literatures 300-level 3 credits Taught in French

    This intensive course develops the four core language skills – speaking, listening, reading, and writing 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. 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

  • Summer Session I
    French World Languages and Literatures 400-level 3 credits Taught in French
    Summer Session II
    French World Languages and Literatures 400-level 3 credits Taught in French

    This intensive course further develops the four core language skills—speaking, listening, reading, and writing. 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

  • Summer Session I
    French World Languages and Literatures 400-level 3 credits Taught in French
    Summer Session II
    French World Languages and Literatures 400-level 3 credits Taught in French

    This intensive course further develops the four core language skills—speaking, listening, reading, and writing. 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

  • Summer Session II
    French 400-level 3 credits Taught in French

    This course is designed to guide learners through advanced language skills, focusing on fluency, comprehension, and effective communication in a variety of contexts. It emphasizes the development of key language skills, ensuring students can engage in complex communication.

    Prerequisite: Six semesters of college-level French, or equivalent

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