Course Name
French Conversation and Culture
Who is this course for?
Bienvenue ! French Conversation and Culture: The Art of Living and Speaking
Welcome to French Conversation and Culture, a year-long immersion into the art de vivre and the vibrant reality of the Francophone world.
This program is crafted for those who have moved past the "conjugation and flashcard" phase and are ready to find their true voice in French. Over six parts, we will transform your existing knowledge into fluid, natural communication, moving beyond the borders of France to explore the diverse voices of the global Francophonie.
Entry Requirements
Understanding of French
What You Will Learn
Focus Theme and Key Conversational Goal
Part 1 L'Art de la Conversation - Mastering small talk, social etiquette, and the "French debate."
Part 2 Le Goût et Terroir - Discussing gastronomy, regional identities, and culinary heritage.
Part 3 La Francophonie Mondiale - Exploring French influence in Africa, Quebec, and the Caribbean.
Part 4 L'Esprit Critique - Engaging with French philosophy, media, and current political discourse.
Part 5 L'Écran et la Scène - Learning about French cinema, theatre, and contemporary music.
Part 6 Le Futur Francophone - Synthesising your skills to discuss innovation, ecology, and modern life.
Course Aim
Do you believe that learning French is not just about words; it is about adopting a certain perspective. This course emphasizes:
Authentic Register: Learn the difference between formal soutenu French and the langue familière used in daily life.
The Power of Nuance: French is a language of precision. We will focus on choosing the right connector or "filler" word to make you sound like a native.
Active Listening: Train your ear to understand various accents and the rapid-fire pace of natural French dialogue.
Cultural Context: Understand the why behind French social norms, from the ritual of the apéritif to the importance of the laïcité.
Our Philosophy
"To have another language is to possess a second soul." — Charlemagne
In this 6 part course, the priority is communication over perfection. A supportive environment where you can test out complex ideas, debate with passion, and refine your accent through constant, guided practice. By the end of Part 6, you won't just be "speaking" French—you will be living it. Or join at the different parts if you want to just practice.
Préparez-vous à parler avec assurance et passion !
Course Length
Part 1 - 6 over the academic year
What You Will Need to Bring
Please bring a notepad, and pen to each session. You may wish to bring a file for any handouts. Access to google classroom for additional materials for the course is advantageous.
How You Will Learn
This is a practical course, and the sessions will include tutor-led demonstrations, learner-led group activities, instruction and repetition. These will form part of the delivery together with one-to-one support as required.
How you will be assessed
This course is designed for learners who already possess a foundational understanding of French and are ready to prioritise speaking and comprehension. You will engage in:
Dynamic Discussions: Weekly live conversational workshops focusing on real-world scenarios.
Cultural Deep-Dives: Analysis of current events, regional dialects, and historical contexts that shape the modern French-speaking world.
Media Integration: Exploration of podcasts, short films, and journalistic pieces to sharpen your listening skills across various accents.
Practical Fluency: Emphasis on idiomatic expressions, tone, and the "unwritten rules" of social interaction in French.
Where Next
Further French or other language courses.
Will learners gain a qualification?
No
