The French Language & Culture program at the Institut Catholique de Paris (ICP) is open to all levels, and is a great opportunity for students to maximize their French language progress abroad by taking classes that are carefully chosen based on each student’s individual level of French competency. For example, students with less French background will spend more time in French language classes; while students who enter the program with more French background will have more cultural elective course options (see below for more specific details). Most students will take 15 hours of class per week.
Placement Exam
Students will take a placement exam online from home before leaving for France. The exam will be sent via email, and you will need a computer and headset with a microphone in order to complete the exam. After you have taken the placement exam and receive your level assignment, you will receive an additional email with class offerings and schedules for your specific level.
French Language Classes
Students at all levels take French language classes. The amount of hours per week spent in language classes varies according to the student’s level placement. French language classes are designed to increase students’ written and oral comprehension and expression. All French language classes involve Oral French, Written French, Phonetics and also involve components of French Culture and Civilization.
ACADEMIC STRUCTURE
LEVEL DEBUTANTE (based on the ICP placement exam) (Can be compared to U.S. ‘beginner’ – ‘low intermediate’ level)
Beginning level students (Catholique levels Débutant and Elementary) take French language only. Beginners are not eligible to take any civilization courses. Year students likely progress to one of the Intermediate levels for the second semester and would then be eligible to enroll in Civilization courses.
1) 9 hours per week (minimum) of French Language (9 credits): This course will cover grammar, verb conjugation, spelling, vocabulary, approaches to literary texts, and written/spoken expression at the appropriate level.
2) The remaining 6 hours per week (6 credits) will be made up of French Phonetics, additional French Language, or Oral French Practice.
LEVELS ELEMENTARY 1 TO INTERMEDIATE 1(based on ICP placement exam) (Can be compared to U.S. ‘intermediate’ – ‘high intermediate’ level)
1) 9 hours per week (minimum) of French Language (9 credits): This course will cover grammar, verb conjugation, spelling, vocabulary, approaches to literary texts, and written/spoken expression at the appropriate level.
2) The remaining 6 hours per week (6 credits) will be made up of French Civilization electives OR Additional French Language, or a combination of the two.
LEVELS INTERMEDIATE 2 AND ABOVE (based on ICP placement exam) (Can be compared to U.S. ‘Advanced’ – ‘superior’ level)
1) 3 hours per week (minimum) of French Language (3 credits): This course will cover grammar, verb conjugation, spelling, vocabulary, approaches to literary texts, and written/spoken expression at the appropriate level.
2) The remaining 12 hours per week (12 credits) will be made up of French Civilization electives OR Additional French Language, or a combination of the two.
FRENCH CIVILIZATION COURSES
• For intermediate, advanced and superior level students only.
• Each course meets for 3 hours per week.
• Fall students earn 30 contact hours or two (2) semester credits per course
• Spring students earn 45 contact hours or three (3) semester credits per course
Intermediate:
• Communication for Professional Fields I
• Communication for Professional Fields II
• Culture and Religion in France
• Current Events in France
• Discovering French Art
• Discovering Paris
• French Language in the Arenas of Style and Fashion
• Introduction to French History
• Main Periods of French History
• Oral Expression
• Overview of Literature and Ideas in France
• Paris in French Cinema
• Phonetics
• Socio-Economics in France
• Written Expression
Advanced-Superior:
• Adventures in French Art in the 20th Century
• Creating Literary Texts
• Contemporary Art from 1945 to Present Day
• Contemporary French Cinema
• Contemporary French Language
• Contemporary French Literature
• Europe Yesterday and Today
• France, How Does it Function?
• French Art and Architecture from the Middle
• Ages to the Beginning of the Enlightenment
• French Art from the Renaissance to Impressionism
• French Culture
• History of France and the French in the 20th Century
• History of Philosophic Ideas in France
• Introduction to French-English Translation
• Major Figures of Art in the 20th Century -- 6 hours per week
• Media in France
• Oral Expression
• Overview of Art --- 6 hours per week - Fall/Year Intermediate and Advanced students can do 'internship' at Louvre
• Sources of Art in the 20th Century
• Synthesis and Argumentation
• Written Expression
ART HISTORY TRACK
Students who choose to participate in the art history track follow a program of 18 hours per week and complete the following courses:
• Written French with a Focus on Art
• French Culture
• Overview of French Art
This course includes frequent field trips to the Louvre. Students also have the opportunity to give an oral presentation at the Louvre during the museum’s Friday Night program (Nocturnes du vendredi). On Friday evenings, the museum opens its doors past normal hours and holds various cultural programs for the public, particularly for young people. Students who participate receive a certificate of participation from the Louvre.
