In this course, students will read Memoirs of Hadrian by Marquerite Yourcenar. 

Students will be responsible for weekly assigned readings and encouraged to share their questions and impressions on our e-learning platform. During class, the instructor will guide the discussion about the weekly reading, touching on relevant historical and cultural context, character development, major themes, and overall impressions through general questions as well as close readings. 

Prerequisite: B2.3 or B2+ course, or B2.3/C1 result on the Level Assessment. 

Memoirs of Hadrian by Marquerite Yourcenar

Cette œuvre, qui est à la fois roman, histoire, poésie, a été saluée par la critique française et mondiale comme un événement littéraire. En imaginant les Mémoires d'un grand empereur romain, l'auteur a voulu "refaire du dedans ce que les archéologues du XIXe siècle ont fait du dehors". Jugeant sans complaisance sa vie d'homme et son œuvre politique, Hadrien n'ignore pas que Rome, malgré sa grandeur, finira un jour par périr, mais son réalisme romain et son humanisme hérité des Grecs lui font sentir l'importance de penser et de servir jusqu'au bout.
"... Je me sentais responsable de la beauté du monde", dit ce héros dont les problèmes sont ceux de l'homme de tous les temps : les dangers mortels qui du dedans et du dehors confrontent les civilisations, la quête d'un accord harmonieux entre le bonheur et la "discipline auguste", entre l'intelligence et la volonté.

You can purchase the book here:[https://amzn.to/3LBs7WH] 

Pace: Regular, 5 weeks, 1h30 once a week, total of 7.5h

This class is a film-centered language class, dedicated to building oral comprehension and communication skills. Through film, students will enhance their knowledge of spoken French of all levels—formal, standard, and informal—as well as their French cultural literacy.  

French Cinéma is also a conduit to explore French culture— sociological, or political—through stories captured on film. This quarter we’ll explore the genre of the ‘polar’ in French cinéma, which means we’ll be studying the underbelly of society and the characters that inhabit it. This fatalist vision of a corrupt society is integral to the ‘polar’ genre and demonstrated perfectly in our three films. We’ll begin this quarter with a classic of French Cinéma Jacques Becker’s Touchez pas au grisbi (1954), and then continue with two more recent examples of the genre, first, Stéphane Demoustier’s ‘carceral polar’: Borgo (2023), and then Alain Guiraudie’s ‘peculiar and biting polar’: Miséricorde (2024). 

We will read criticism and reviews of all three films to deepen your appreciation of them.  

Lastly, you’ll listen to and study popular songs from the periods and artists depicted in each film. No textbook required for this course

Prerequisite: B2.3 or B2+ course, or B2.3/C1 result on the Level Assessment.  

Pace: Regular, 10 weeks, 1h30 once a week, total of 15h

In this course focused on oral expression and listening comprehension, students will listen to podcasts and speculate together on subjects worthy of greater debate. The instructor will guide a discussion of current events, including important moments that characterize the Anthropocene and its drifts. Students will also discuss topics related to science, societies, fauna and flora, and arts and culture, amongst others. These subjects will allow the class to reflect on and discuss the various stakes which constitute our current society. All course materials will be provided by the instructor 

Prerequisite: B2.3 or B2+ course, or B2.3/C1 result on the Level Assessment. 

Pace: Regular, 5 weeks, 2h once a week, total of 10h

Step into the glamorous world of French fashion with our captivating course, Le Français à la Mode!
Immerse yourself in the evolution of French fashion as we journey through its rich history. From the iconic "petite robe noire" (little black dress) to the timeless elegance of "les ballet flats", you'll gain insight into the iconic pieces that have shaped the world of fashion. 

Join us to engage in discussions and interactive activities related to French fashion and culture, and enhance your vocabulary, refine your pronunciation, and build confidence in expressing yourself in French. Whether you're a fashion enthusiast, a language lover, or simply intrigued by French culture, this course promises an enriching and inspiring experience.

Prerequisite: B1.3, B1+ or B2.1 course completed, or B2.1 result at placement test

Pace: Regular, 5 weeks, 1h30 once a week, total of 7.5h

This literary journey will transport you to the heart of Paris, where three iconic authors—Guy de Maupassant, Victor Hugo, and Émile Zola—found their inspiration, penned their masterpieces, and left an indelible mark on the literary landscape.

During this 2-part workshop, participants will delve into the lives, works, and impact of these three literary giants, exploring their unique styles, themes, and contributions to the literary canon. Through a blend of interactive discussions, engaging presentations, and guided activities, attendees will gain a deeper appreciation for the rich tapestry of French literature and the city that inspired it.

All materials will be provided by the instructor before and during class via the Apolearn platform.

Prerequisite: having completed General French B2.3 or having received a B2+/C1 recommendation from our Admissions Coordinator. This workshop is for advanced French speakers and will be held mainly in French. 

Pace: Workshop, two sessions of 2h

This class is designed for students wishing to strengthen their vocabulary and grammar at the upper B1 independent level. Each week, through a study in areas such as politics and economics, literature and history, the arts, and many more, students will have the opportunity to practice and strengthen their linguistic skills in the language, review grammatical concepts, and develop their cultural understanding of France and the francophone world. No textbook required for this course. 

Prerequisite: B1.3, B1+ or B2.1 course completed, or B2.1/B2.2 result on the Level Assessment. 

Pace: Regular, 5 weeks, 1h30 twice per week, total of 15h

This class is designed for students who reached at the end of the B1 level (completed B1.3) and who wish to strengthen and practice their oral comprehension and production skills through a communicative and action-oriented approach to language learning. Some written comprehension and production may be introduced in support of the targeted oral communication outcomes. 

Each week, a theme will be explored through a reading and/or listening exercise appropriate to the level. Relevant vocabulary and one or more grammar points at the B1 level will be reviewed based on support materials and put into practice through structured activities designed to generate authentic conversation, including role playing, presentations, discussions, games, etc. Throughout the course, students will receive personalized and prompt feedback from their instructor on grammar, vocabulary, syntax, and pronunciation. 

B1+ learners are expected to communicate in a simple manner on familiar topics regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. and cope flexibly with problems of everyday life; they can generally identify the topic of a discussion which is conducted simply and clearly. No textbook required for this course. 

Prerequisite: General French B1.3 completed, or B1.3/B2 result on the Level Assessment. 

Pace: Regular, 5 weeks, 1h30 once a week, total of 7.5h

This intensive week is designed to strengthen major skills acquired during the B2 level in speaking, listening, reading, and writing.

This class can help you to boost your French or simply to give you more confidence and enhance your knowledge before joining the C1 level.

• Prerequisite: B2.3 course completed, or C1 result at placement test. New students and students returning after more than three quarters are required to take a short online placement test.

• Next course: A specialized B2+ course or a C1 course upon approval (please take our C1 placement test and our Admissions Coordinator will contact you to assess your oral skills).

A class for fluent students wishing to perfect their linguistic and cultural understanding in areas such as geopolitics and economics, literature and history, the arts, and many more. Students will focus on formulating ideas and opinions with precision and on discussing clear, detailed descriptions of complex subjects. 

Course materials—including newspaper articles, TV, and radio shows—are to be studied before class; expect approximately two hours of autonomous study per week. All course materials will be provided by the instructor 

Prerequisite: Both former and current AFSeattle students, as well as all new students, must take our Level Assessment and complete an oral assessment to confirm their level prior to enrolling in their first C1 level course. 

Pace: Regular, 5 weeks, 2h once a week, total of 10h