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French Language
Welcoming beginner, intermediate, and advanced students of
French
“In my university, we focus more on literature, so the Summer School was an occasion to
learn more about political and sociological issues in France and the European Union while
studying French.” - Yingtong, China
Students who choose to study the French language in the Summer School's University Programme
have the unique advantage of learning at one of France’s most prestigious universities while being
immersed in the daily routines of life in Paris.
French Language Track Overview
Students of the French language track take classes at one of six levels adapted to their knowledge
of the French language. A student's current level of French is determined by an initial placement
test during the application process and a definitive placement test held on the first day. In assessing
a student’s level, Sciences Po uses the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
(CEFR), which places full beginners at level A1 and advanced students at level C2. Download
an explanation of the CEFR levels (in English and French, PDF, 140Ko).
A student’s course schedule is determined by his or her knowledge of French; students take the level
of French they wish to reach at the end of the session. For example, a complete beginner should
take Level A1, while a student with a B1 level of French will take Level B2 at the Summer School.
Learn more about how to demonstrate proficiency at a level of French on the Eligibility page.
French Language Levels
The coursework offered in the French language track is determined by a student's language level:
French language courses account for the majority of class time (at least 48 contact hours)
at every level, allowing students to make maximum progress during their time at the
Summer School.
At the beginner and intermediate levels, language learning is reinforced through tutorials
and focused workshops in subjects such as phonetics.
At the more advanced levels, students take a variety of classes designed to improve their
oral and written expression, including written methodology and debate workshops.
Maximum class size is approximately 15 students. The total number of students in a class
may change in light of the results of the placement test on the first day of the programme.
2017 Academic Programme
Beginner Levels (A1, A2)
Level A1
Summary: At the A1 level, students focus their language learning on a variety of different
themes. These complete beginners start their study with topics necessary for successful daily
interactions. As the course progresses, they delve into increasingly complex themes dealing
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with French culture.
Syllabus: Download the A1 French language class June 2017 syllabus (PDF, 435 Ko).
Level A2
Summary: This course, meant for students who have mastered the basics of the French
language, aims to help students improve their oral and written expression. At the conclusion
of the session, students will be able to take part in a verbal exchange or produce a short
written text. In terms of grammar, students will master the present, past, and future tense.
Vocabulary knowledge is also built and centered around certain key points of French culture.
Syllabus: Download the A2 French language class June 2017 syllabus (PDF, 327 Ko).
Intermediate Levels (B1, B2)
Level B1
Summary: At the B1 level, students progress towards an intermediate knowledge of French
by strengthening grammar and vocabulary in order to develop their argumentation skills.
Through the study of current political and social events as depicted in the media, songs and
films, students learn to describe more complex situations and express their own opinions.
Syllabus: Download the B1 French language class June 2017 syllabus (PDF, 430 Ko).
Level B2
Summary: At the B2 level, students focus on three subjects: “Power and Representations of
the French Political Life,” “Building Europe: politics and identity,” and “Crisis, inequalities,
indignations.” They reinforce their written and oral language skills through the study of
various materials, including political campaign posters, visits to museums, political cartoons
and authentic texts, such as French newspapers and academic articles.
Syllabus: Download the B2 French language class 2016 syllabus (PDF, 72 Ko).
Advanced Levels (C1, C2)
Level C1
Summary: C1 level classes focus on the following topics: “Political life in France,” “Europe”
and “Crises, inequalities, and indignations.” Students reinforce their language skills through
the study of French political institutions, the construction of the European Union and the
notion of crisis, the later encompassing a vast domain from global financial market to the
Arab spring events. Coursework is based on texts such as newspapers and academic articles,
as well as on political cartoons and radio programmes.
Syllabus: Download the C1 French language class June 2017 syllabus (PDF, 322 Ko).
Level C2 (only offered during the July session)
Summary: Intended for advanced students, these courses build on written and oral
language skills - with a special focus on precision, idiomatic expressions and colloquialisms in order to reach the C2 level. Students are also guided through the specific rules and culture
of the French academic system, especially those of Sciences Po.
Syllabus: Download the C2 French language class 2016 syllabus (PDF, 69 Ko).
Certification
In partnership with the Alliance Française Paris Ile-de-France, Sciences Po offers University
Programme students the option to take the tests for the French Ministry of Education’s official
Diplôme d'études en langue française (DELF – levels up to B2) or Diplôme approfondi de langue
française (DALF – levels C1 and C2). Please note that these exams are only offered during the July
session. Learn more.
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More
Explanation of the CEFR language levels
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