Learn French

General Information

Our French courses emphasize modern spoken French. Class time stresses communication in the language in everyday situations and invites students to begin speaking from the first day of class. Emphasis is given to standard French, recognized and understood internationally, so students will be able to communicate with French-speaking people worldwide.

Washington Academy of Languages offers several levels of French. Levels I through VI teach the basic vocabulary and grammar components of the language: all verb tenses and moods, adjective and adverb forms, pronouns, interrogative words, etc. Advanced Conversation classes are available for students who wish to continue beyond Level VI.

The emphasis of Washington Academy of Languages French classes is on conversation; however, we also work on listening, reading and writing since these four skills are essential to language acquisition. Recent research confirms that a new language is more quickly and more effectively learned when all four skills are used in the learning process. Basic vocabulary in French is acquired relatively quickly within useful contexts such as the workplace, the family, traveling, the media, the arts and so on. Conversation and listening skills are gained as students practice new vocabulary and grammar points. In addition to the textbook and exercise book materials, video tapes, DVDs, CDs, written texts and Internet resources are used to practice comprehension and to acquaint students with the cultures of the French-speaking world.

Textbook for levels 1-6 of French: S.L. Difusion & Hedwige Meyer, Rond – Point: édition nord-américaine. Prentice Hall, 2007. Textbook and Workbook.

Text is available for purchase from Washington Academy of Languages.

*Advanced French Conversation classes use different materials; the instructor will provide information about the materials at the beginning of the course.

French I

30 hours of instruction/5 weeks
By the end of this five-week session, the student will be able to interact minimally in French. Classes are conducted in French; grammatical and cultural notes may be clarified in English. Extensive practice of pronunciation is provided to create a solid foundation for proficient speech. Participants will learn the present tense conjugation of regular -er verbs and some irregular verbs, basic greetings, numbers, the days of the week, months, definite, indefinite and partitive articles, negation (with ne...pas), stress pronouns, some adjectives and the impersonal expression il faut. Vocabulary focus is on meeting and greeting people, describing people, expressing opinions about others, organizing a vacation, expressing likes and dislikes, and family.  

Chapters: 1, 2 and 3
This course may be taken for 4 quarter units of university credit.

French II

30 hours of instruction/5 weeks
Prerequisite: Completion of French I or instructor's permission

Material introduced in this course includes the present tense of -ir and -re verb groups, some irregular verbs, adjectives and adjectival agreement, the present perfect (passé composé) the command form (imperative), the partitive article, adverbs of quantity and frequency, expression of location and telling time, direct and indirect pronouns, and prepositions of places. Vocabulary includes daily habits, directions, work-life, and shopping.

Chapters: 4, 5 and 6
This course may be taken for 4 quarter units of university credit.

French III

30 hours of instruction/5 weeks
Prerequisite: Completion of French II or instructor's permission

This course continues the study of basic grammar including expressions of quantity, narration, hypothesis, time and location, asking questions and interrogative words, immediate future (aller + infinitive), the present tense of some irregular verbs, comparatives, superlatives, and relative pronouns. Vocabulary includes foods, dates, times and places, describing, comparing, evaluating and giving opinions.

Chapters: 7, 8 and 9
This course may be taken for 4 quarter units of university credit.

French IV

30 hours of instruction/5 weeks
Prerequisite: Completion of French III or instructor's permission

At this level, the student learns the conditional and the expression of hypothesis, prepositions to locate things in space, uses and conjugations of the imperfect past (l'imparfait) versus present perfect (passé composé), expressions of sequencing and an introduction to reflexive verbs. Vocabulary focus is on feelings and emotions, leisure activities, making plans and recommendations, descriptions of events and giving directions.

Chapters: 10, 11 and 12
This course may be taken for 4 quarter units of university credit.

French V

30 hours of instruction/5 weeks
Prerequisite: Completion of French IV or instructor's permission

This course introduces the relative pronouns qui, que and dont, object pronouns y and en, simple future, passive pronominal structures, using the subjunctive after expressions of personal opinion and the impersonal subject. Vocabulary focuses on using arguments to convince people, describing personalities, debating and taking charge of a conversation.

Chapters: 13, 14 and 15
This course may be taken for 4 quarter units of university credit.

French VI

30 hours of instruction/5 weeks
Prerequisite: Completion of French V or instructor's permission

This level introduces students to past perfect (plus-que-parfait), passive voice, temporal expressions, subjunctive, passé simple, gerunds, and interrogative forms in the negative. Vocabulary focuses on societal issues, the expression of desire and will, and description of places.

Chapters: 16, 17 and 18
This course may be taken for 4 quarter units of university credit.

Advanced French Conversation

30 hours of instruction/5 weeks
Prerequisite: completion of French VI or instructor's permission

Classes at this level focus on comprehension and fluency in the language, culture, vocabulary building and a revision of difficult grammar points such as the subjunctive and conditional, places and order for multiple pronouns, reflexive verbs and past tenses. Video and audio materials help students to advance in their comprehension of French. Discussion on topics of interest helps students to express their ideas correctly, clearly and effectively. Practice points include pronunciation, intonation, fluidity and grammatical correctness. The course is customized to fit the needs of class members.

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Vacations are in the air! Start them at WAL

Spring break is around the corner and summer plans are forming.WAL opens its doors on Saturday mornings to offer travel classes. This fast-paced class prepares you to communicate in routine traveling situations.  The focus is on basic travel vocabulary, pronunciation and role playing as well as a cultural overview.

This class will meet 4 Saturdays from 9:45AM – 11:30AM

When:

9:45 AM – 11:30 AM

Meeting Dates:

Saturdays: 5/03/08, 5/10/08, 5/17/08, 5/24/08

Rate:

$95

Classes will meet at Washington Academy of Languages

Please click here to register. For more information, please call us at (206) 682-4463.

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Ajoutez deux lettres  à Paris: c’est le paradis.

Add two letters to Paris: this is paradise.

Jules Renard

Transform Paris into Paradise!

Prepare your trip to Paris with a Parisian. The best way to approach Paris is to be introduced to the “City of Lights” by an insider. This seminar is designed for people who desire an intimate presentation on Paris.

A brief introduction to the history and geography of Paris will lead us on a tour of hidden places and neighborhoods. Little known museums and art galleries, open air markets and typical restaurants will be discussed along with cultural insights and travel tips.

A set of travel resources, a unique guide book reference and practical information will also be provided.

When: 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Monday, April 28, 2008

Where: