Grenoble Language and Liberal Arts Program (Summer)

Students enroll in one of two tracks based on their level of language proficiency—Track 1: Intermediate Language & Civilization or Track II: Advanced Language & Culture.

Program Curriculum

Students enroll in one course on French civilization and culture and one French language course. The courses are not taught simultaneously: The culture and civilization courses are taught in the first half of the program. Students then move on to their language course in the latter half. All courses are conducted in French. Note: Syllabi are for course approval and reference only. Students will receive up-to-date syllabi when their courses begin.

Track I: Intermediate Language & Civilization

Required Course

Students must enroll in the following course:

CAS LF 261: French Civilization (4)

(Prerequisite: CAS LF 112, second-semester college French, or the equivalent.) Seminar exploring French culture and civilization. Course readings are drawn from the French and European press as well as a French history text. Readings focus on French cultural and social trends, as well as France’s differences and particularities with regards to the rest of Europe. Visits to historical and cultural sites in and around Grenoble. Taught in the first half of the program. Syllabus

Language Courses

Students also enroll in one of the following language courses:

CAS LF 211: Third-Semester French (4)

(Prerequisite: CAS LF 112, second-semester college French, or the equivalent.) Reinforces and extends skills in grammar and conversation. Selected literary readings, with class discussions.

CAS LF 212: Fourth-Semester French (4)

(Prerequisite: CAS LF 211, third-semester college French, or the equivalent.) Continuation of CAS LF 211. Grammar review, conversation, and composition. Selections from contemporary literature with discussions in class.

CAS LF 303: Composition & Conversation I (4)

(Prerequisite: CAS LF 212, fourth-semester college French, or the equivalent.) Development of spoken and written French. Includes grammar review, writing, pronunciation, comprehension, conversation, and vocabulary building.

Track II: Advanced Language & Culture

Required Course

Students must enroll in the following course:

CAS FR 342: French Culture (4)

(Prerequisite: CAS LF 303, fifth-semester college French, or the equivalent.) Focuses on French identity and its relationship to French literature. Selected readings drawn from seventeenth to twentieth century literary texts. Visits to historical and cultural sites in and around Grenoble. Taught in the first half of the program.

Language Courses

Students also enroll in one of the following language courses:

CAS LF 304: Composition & Conversation II (4)

(Prerequisite: CAS LF 303, fifth-semester college French, or the equivalent.) Continuation of CAS LF 303. Includes grammar review, writing, pronunciation, comprehension, conversation, and vocabulary building.

CAS LF 306: Advanced Oral Expression (4)

(Prerequisite: CAS LF 303, fifth-semester college French, or the equivalent.) Problems of articulation and intonation; special attention given to corrective phonetics. Readings of poetic and dramatic texts with emphasis on diction.

Program Details

Requirements
Program Dates
  • Summer Term: June 13 to July 28, 2012
    • Depart U.S.: June 13, 2012
    • Program Arrival: June 14, 2012
    • Program End: July 27, 2012
    • Depart France: July 28, 2012
Cost
  • Summer 2012 Program Fee: $8,200

Cost includes tuition, housing, board, course-related field trips, and emergency travel assistance coverage. The cost for Summer 2013 has not yet been announced and will be subject to approval by the Board of Trustees at Boston University. Additional expenses for summer. Financial aid is available. BU Study Abroad arranges a trans-Atlantic group flight that is not included in the program fee. We recommend that students take this flight.
Credits
  • Upon successful completion of the program, students earn eight Boston University credits. Students must enroll for a total of eight credits.
Housing
  • All students are provided with accommodations in French households throughout the city. Families chosen to participate in the program represent a wide range of incomes and situations, from an elderly woman living alone in the city to a large suburban family with several children. For many students, engaging with their host families is a crucial part of learning the language and experiencing local life.
  • Students are provided a single room, European breakfast, and a specified number of evening meals in the home. They receive an allowance for local transportation and meals not taken with their hosts.
Application Deadlines
  • Summer Term: March 1

Download a description of the Grenoble Language and Liberal Arts Summer Program.

Program Faculty & Staff

The Boston University Grenoble programs are administered by staff in both our Boston and Grenoble offices. In Boston, a program manager facilitates the admissions and pre-departure procedures, and maintains contact with students prior to their arrival in Grenoble. The Boston Office also houses administrative personnel who are responsible for everyday operations. In Grenoble, the staff comprises a resident director and administrative, academic, and housing personnel.

Faculty & Staff Profiles

Leilani Olson, Assistant Director

Overseas Staff

Faculty

Culture and civilization courses are taught by the Boston University summer program director and faculty from the Université de Grenoble. Language courses are taught by full-time language faculty at the CUEF. Language instruction takes place on the Université de Grenoble campus, at the Centre Universitaire d’Études Françaises (CUEF), which is among the best French language instruction centers in France. Civilization and culture courses are taught by Boston University and Université de Grenoble faculty at the Boston University Grenoble facilities.

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