Study Abroad Library

CIEE Contemporary French Studies Program in Paris, France

Students at all levels will achieve substantial, measurable improvement in French language skills and will have a clear understanding of the political, social, and cultural complexity that characterizes contemporary France. This includes France in the context of "Francophone" and the ex-colonial empire, France in the context of its cultural transformation with its waves of immigrants, and France in the light of transnational culture and globalization. Students will be able to analyze cultural texts in a social context. Academic Program The Contemporary French Studies (CFS) program, which began in 1999, offers strong French language instruction and a broad range of French-taught and English-taught courses about contemporary France. Qualified students have the option to design a French-only program and may audit or enroll in classes at the University of Paris. The program accommodates students at many levels from low-intermediate to advanced French, and with varying majors. Students participating in the Contemporary French studies program have three options: 1. Students with five or more semesters of college-level French can choose an all-French program and can also enroll in courses at the University of Paris. 2. Students with four to five semesters of college-level French may choose a mix of courses in both French and English. Qualified students may audit or enroll in courses at the University of Paris. 3. For students with less than four semesters of college-level French, English-taught courses are available. Courses use a variety of materials texts, both literary and philosophical, film, art, the educational system, and the architecture of the city itself considered in the context of society and culture. Contemporary social issues are discussed in courses about politics, Francophone cultures, and Muslim communities in Europe. Many courses include outings, whether to observe and learn about the streets and neighborhoods of the city, or participation in conferences, classes, and debates in French educational institutions. Academic Culture French language study begins with an intensive week-long program (ILP). Following this, French language classes meet twice a week. Language classes have a maximum of twelve students and each student is treated at his or her own level. Tutoring and speech therapy sessions are available for students with demonstrated need. Language instruction uses a variety of authentic materials (e.g., newspapers and magazines, films, and videos), and classes are taught entirely in French. Content courses typically meet twice a week for 1.5 hours per session. Film courses entail an additional two-hour film screening to prepare for class discussions, and group screenings are organized. At the University of Paris, French students take a prescribed set of courses which does not allow for many electives; they specialize in a particular discipline and are expected to acquire in-depth knowledge very early in their academic career. French students are expected to be self-motivated, to analyze the professors presentations, to delve into the bibliography, and judge the important aspects of the reading. This is in contrast to the U.S. educational system where students are expected to express their opinions, and are given very precise guidelines about what is expected of them in terms of readings and homework. Teacher-student relations tend to be more hierarchical and formal in France than in the U.S. The course on Academic Writing and Reasoning is designed to facilitate students' understanding of and making their way within the French academic culture.