General Class Information

All classes meet for 10 weeks for 1 hour and 15 minutes, unless otherwise indicated.

Tuition is $285 unless otherwise indicated.

Placement:
Please call the French Institute if you need help determining your placement, which is based on speaking ability. To ensure a solid foundation, it is best to advance to the next level after mastering your current level.

Course Descriptions
Levels One to Four consist of three quarters. After completing Quarter 1, students advance to Quarter 2 and then to Quarter 3.

LEVEL ONE
CONSISTS OF THREE CONSECUTIVE QUARTERS
This beginning course introduces students to the essentials of the French language and culture.  Learn practical vocabulary, key verbs in present, immediate future and past tense, how to form questions, communicate effectively in typical situations encountered by travelers, and understand a French menu and order in French.

LEVEL TWO
CONSISTS OF THREE CONSECUTIVE QUARTERS
Learn more extensive vocabulary, how to use and distinguish between le passé composé and l’imparfait.  Study the necessary grammar to easily communicate in more complex sentence structures and learn how to manage in a variety of challenging everyday situations one might encounter.  Interesting cultural topics will be explored.

LEVEL THREE
CONSISTS OF THREE CONSECUTIVE QUARTERS
This level introduces the future, conditional and subjunctive tenses.  Increased vocabulary, including more idioms, coupled with advanced grammar structure enables students to communicate at an intermediate level upon completion of this course.  Interesting cultural topics will be discussed.

LEVEL FOUR
CONSISTS OF THREE CONSECUTIVE QUARTERS
This comprehensive review of French grammar is ideal for students who have completed Levels One, Two, and Three and are looking for the next progressive step to perfect their language skills. It is strongly recommended that students register for a Level 4 Prêt à Parler to complement this class. Students are required to purchase a text.

AUDIO PROGRAMS FOR LEVELS ONE, TWO, AND THREE
Everyone knows practice makes perfect. The French Institute's interactive audio programs reinforce each weekly lesson with 30 minutes of practice drills and instruction. By listening and speaking along with the audio program in your car and attending the animated weekly classes you can quickly master the essential elements of the French language. Recorded by native speakers, a 14 disk CD series is available for Levels One, Two, and Three.

Compact Disk sets are $195 per level (Available for Levels One, Two, and Three)
Purchase Book/CDs

LEVEL FIVE
CONVERSATION
This course is designed for students who already have a solid command of the French language and desire to speak more naturally and effectively.  Lessons provide students practice in conversing about popular topics.  In discussing contemporary issues, students gain a better understanding of French people, culture, and language.  Text may be required.

LITERATURE COURSE
LEVELS FIVE/SIX
Enhance your reading comprehension and further your familiarity with French literary works by taking this new literature discussion class. Under the instructor's guidance, students consider themes, plot development and personal interpretation of French fiction. Participants will be expected to purchase the texts and to complete weekly reading assignments.

LEVEL SIX
ADVANCED CONVERSATION
Using newspaper articles, magazine articles and televised news as a starting point for discussion about contemporary French culture, this advanced conversation class expands students' vocabulary and repertoire of idiomatic expressions, improves students' listening comprehension and refines verbal expression.

PRÊT-À-PARLER - LEVELS ONE, TWO, THREE, FOUR, FIVE
This course, complementary to the group level classes, has a strong focus on cultural and current events in France. Through extensive conversation, students improve their verbal expression and increase their vocabulary, all while reinforcing key points from the group level classes and keeping up to date on happenings in France.

PRIVATE LESSONS
Individual and semi-private lessons are available.  Please call for more information or click here for pricing.