Location: Rennes and Paris, France - Université de Rennes 2

Dates

June 21 - August 1, 2013

About the Location

Rennes and Paris, France. Students take courses at the Centre International Centre International Rennais d'études d'Études de français Français pour étrangers Étrangers of Université Rennes 2 - Haute Bretagne, and instruction is coordinated and overseen by the  Villanova faculty member in residence.

Rennes: Capital of la Bretagne, Rennes is a city of approximately 275,000 people and an additional 60,000 university students. With its numerous cultural activities, low cost of living, large weekly open-air market, and new subway line, Rennes regularly ranks as one of the most desirable cities in which to live and work in France. It is just two hours west of Paris by TGV.

Université Rennes 2: About 60,000 students and 3,500 researchers have found their temporary home in the city's two universities and twenty other institutions of higher education. Successful programs in French language, culture, and literature have been offered at the Université Rennes 2 - Haute Bretagne since the Faculté des Lettres was established in Rennes in 1810.

Program

This six-credit program provides participants with a unique opportunity to increase their knowledge and understanding of French language and culture. The program is divided into two distinct components: intensive coursework emphasizing language and civilization at all levels, as well as literature, writing, and French culture; and cultural analysis highlighting the French way of life from both socio-cultural and linguistic perspectives. Additionally, students who have completed FRE 1131 may choose to register for a course in Business French.

Course Offerings

Students are required to take two three-credit courses for a total of six VU credits. These courses should follow the sequence of French courses offered at Villanova.

VSB International Business co-majors may use FRE 1121 or FRE 1122 towards the IB-language requirement; if they have completed 1131 before departure, students can take 1134, which is specifically geared towards Business students.

REMINDER: Courses above the 1122 level count toward a minor or major in French at Villanova.

FRE 1121 - Intermediate French I
Designed for students who already have a basic knowledge of the language (one year of college French) and wish to improve all four language skills. Students should have completed FRE 1111 and 1112 or the equivalent.

FRE 1122 - Intermediate French II
Continuation of FRE 1122: Review of grammar, composition, reading and conversation. Students should have completed FRE 1121 or the equivalent.

FRE 1131 - French Conversation/Composition I
Regular practice in conversation and composition with review of grammar and continuing work on language skills in French. Students should have completed FRE 1122 or the equivalent.  

FRE 1132 - French Conversation/Composition II
Regular practice in conversation and composition with review of grammar and continuing work on language skills in French.  Students should have completed FRE 1131 or the equivalent.

FRE 1134: Business French
An introduction to French business terminology and discourse related to economics, finance, and management. Students should have completed FRE 1131 or the equivalent.

FRE 2143: Contemporary France
Focuses on regional identities and other aspects from current French headlines.

Additional Academic Requirements

1 year (2 semesters) of college level French or equivalent. Students with no prior knowledge of French may be eligible; see Faculty Program Coordinator.

Excursions

Students will participate in the excursions organized through the CIREFE, including to le Mont St. Michel, to Dinan, and to the forest of Brocéliande. There will also be additional excursions, to Fort La Latte, Erquy, Dol-de-Bretagne, and the Normandy beaches. There will also be a weekend trip to St. Malo, a walled city on the English Channel, marking the transition between Rennes and Paris.