FR/CM 325 - French Conversation and Current Events

This course will allow students to intensively practice spoken French, to develop their thinking in French, to use more specific vocabulary, and to be able to give their opinion. Each class meeting will have a current theme, directly connected to the events of contemporary France. Students will use the proposed documents (newspaper articles, television and radio clips, newspaper/ political cartoons, etc.) in order to enlarge their knowledge of contemporary France, improve their speaking skills, develop a structured reflection and be able to discuss both in small groups and with the professor. Our objective is to closely follow French current events, so as to facilitate the integration of students into life in Paris. We will cover various elements of French history, geography, sociology, and demographics in order for students to acquire a well-rounded understanding of the country and its culture.