In this course, students will read Comme un ciel en nous, by Jakuta Alikavazovic. The students will have the rare opportunity to meet with the author in person at Third Place Books, on May 4th. Sign-up here. 

Students will be responsible for weekly assigned readings and encouraged to share their questions and impressions on our elearning plateform, Apolearn. 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.

Clock hours eligible: AFSeattle is a Washington State approved clock hour provider in 2023-2024. Please send an email to info@afseattle.org upon enrollment.

Comme un ciel en nous, by Jakuta Alikavazovic

Si l’on s’en tient aux faits, l’auteure passe la nuit du 7 au 8 mars 2020 au musée du Louvre, section des Antiques, salle des Cariatides, avec un sac en bandoulière dans lequel il y a, entre autres, une barre de nougat illicite.

Les faits, heureusement, ne sont rien dans ce livre personnel, original, traversé d’ombres nocturnes et de fantômes du passé, de glissades pieds nus sous la Vénus de Milo, ce livre joyeux et mélancolique, qui précise vite son intention : « Je suis venue ici cette nuit pour redevenir la fille de mon père. »

Quel père, en fait ? Celui, biologique, né en 1951 dans un village du Monténégro, alors une partie de la défunte Yougoslavie, qui vient à Paris par amour, par fuite, pour voir le Louvre, une ville dans la ville, un père qui ne sait pas bien parler le français et voit tout en noir et blanc. Celui, plus probable, le père exilé à qui l’on a dit que « sa fille ne parlera jamais français », l’esthète-pilleur qui se promène l’air de rien avec sa fille Jakuta au Louvre, et lui demande, lui transmet en héritage : « Et toi, comment t’y prendrais-tu pour voler la Joconde ? ». En effet : comment ?

Même si l’auteure exprime que « la honte vous rassemble bien mieux que le reste », il serait aisé, après la lecture, d’affirmer que l’amour, celui réciproque d’un père pour sa fille unique, vous rassemble et vous tient debout. Comme la Vénus de Milo, les siècles durant.

You can buy the book here. 
Pace: Regular, 5 weeks, 1h30 once a week, total of 7.5h

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 class is designed for students who have reached the end of the B2 level 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 B2 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. B2+ learners are expected to communicate with a degree of spontaneity and fluency that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible. This is a class in which you will express opinions on current affairs, as well as socio-cultural subjects, giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options, develop an argument giving reasons in support of or against a particular point of view; and speculate about causes and consequences.

Prerequisite: General French B2.3 completed, or B2.3/C1 result at our placement test.

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