Class Schedule
Cultural Programs
WINTER
2013
January 14
March 16
3349 N. Clark Street Chicago IL 60657
773.857.1322 • www.lef-learn-french.com
Welcome Home!...
Bienvenue chez vous!
aimez-nous sur
suivez-nous sur
L’école Française is committed to be the provider of premium
French language services and cultural programs. Being a student
at l’École Française goes beyond the classroom. Here, you are part
of a multi-cultural community and will experience the French
language and its many facets in a fun yet challenging environment.
At l’École Française you will be taught how to do things in French,
check-in chez nous
rather than just learning how to speak it.
Our Winter Session will begin Monday, January 14, 2013 and will
go until March 16, 2013. So, be sure to sign up for one of our many
classes! Our instructors will give you the individual attention that
you deserve and will challenge you to strive for a deeper understanding
notez-nous avec
of the French language and culture.
We would love to have you come and visit our school, meet our
instructors, and get a feel for our learning community! We are sure
that you will feel right at home with us.
épinglez-nous sur
If you have any questions, please contact us via email at
info@lef-learn-french.com. Also, be sure to “like” us on Facebook,
or follow us on Twitter, and stay updated on our exciting events
and programs.
We are looking forward to having you be part of l’ École Française (LéF)
where learning is Happiness.
À l’École Française, le bonheur, c’est d’apprendre!
LéF
Liberté Egalité Fraternité
www.lef-learn-french.com
l’école française
2
winter session 2013
scannez-nous
Determining your level...
Common European Framework
of Reference for Languages
Figuring out the level at which to learn a language can be difficult.
L’École Française uses the Common European Framework
of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment
(CEFR), created by the European Council to ensure the uniformity
in teaching and assessment and to remove any uncertainty about
which level is best for you. Based on the CEFR system and the vast
and expert knowledge of our instructors, L’École Française uses the
following level guidelines to place you and assess your continuous
growth here at L’École Française, helping to ensure your success
and satisfaction in your learning journey.
Each level contains a set of skill achievements that the student
should possess at the completion of the level. By design, our classes
will equip you with each of those skills and ensure that each student
has reached those goals. The CEFR reference system divides
learning into three categories (Basic User, Intermediate User, and
Proficient User), which are, in turn, divided into two sublevels (A1
and A2, B1 and B2, and C1 and C2).
For more information regarding our classes, placement test, school
policies and registration procedures, please consult our website at
www.lef-learn-french.com
l’école française
3
winter session 2013
At the completion of the corresponding level, the student is able to:
levels 1-4
levels 5-8
a2
levels 9-14
basic
aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type
• Introduce him or herself and others and can ask and answer questions
about personal details such as where he or she lives, people he or she knows
an things he or she has
• Interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly
and is prepared to help
• Understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of
inter
proficient proficient inter
mediate mediate basic
a1
• Understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases
most immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information,
shopping, local geography, employment)
• Communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct
exchange of information on familiar and routine matters.
• Describe in simple terms aspects of his or her background, immediate
environment and matters in areas of immediate need.
• Under stand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters
regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc.
• Deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where
b1
levels 15-20
the language is spoken
• Produce simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal
interest
• Describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes and ambitions and briefly
give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans
• Understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract
topics including technical discussions in his/her field of specialization
• Interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction
b2
levels +20
with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party
• Produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a
viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of
various options
• Understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognize implicit
meaning
• Express him or herself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious
c1
searching for expressions
• Use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional
purposes
• Produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing
controlled use of organizational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices
• Understand with ease virtually everything heard or read
• Summarize information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing
c2
arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation
• Express him or herself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely differentiating
finer shades of meaning even in more complex situations
l’école française
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winter session 2013
BASIC I
a1 levels
Learning goals
Upon completion of these basic A1 levels, students can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and
very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. Can introduce him/herself and others
and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where he/she lives, people he/she knows
and things he/she has. Can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is
prepared to help.
REGULAR Basic level 1
101a
101b
101c
tuesday
wednesday
saturday
tuition $ 250
for complete beginners
january 15 – march 12
january 16 – march 13
january 19 – march 16
10:00-11:40 am
6:00-7:40 pm
12:00-1:40 pm
nicolas ségaud
nicolas ségaud
erwan sorel
In this first level of French, you will learn to introduce yourself and convey personal details such as nationality,
profession, hobbies, numbers, likes and dislikes. You will study basic grammar, the present tense of regular
verbs in -ER, the irregular verbs avoir and être, interrogative forms, definite and indefinite articles, and of course,
pronunciation! The journey begins here!
REGULAR Basic I
102a
102c
monday
saturday
level 2
tuition $ 250
Welcome on board
january 14 – march 11
january 19 – march 16
6:00-7:40 pm
12:00-1:40 pm
nicolas ségaud
nicolas ségaud
In this second level of French, we will focus on booking a flight, buying an airline ticket, purchasing items,
following directions, expressing our preferences, ordering food and talking about the weather, seasons,
leisure activities, money and international currencies. We will study the present tense or irregular verbs of
mouvement such aller, -IR verbs like partir, -RE verbs such as faire, the futur proche and idiomatic expressions
with avoir. Bienvenue à bord!
REFRESHER COURSE Basic I levels 1, 2, 3
151a
151b
tuesday
thursday
january 15 – march 12
january 17 – march 14
6:00-7:40 pm
12:00-1:40 pm
tuition $ 250
nicolas ségaud
erwan sorel
You’ve studied French in the past but it’s been a while and you fear you’ve forgotten more than you remember?
Or you’ve taken the basic levels and you would like to consolidate what you’ve learned? This class is designed
for you. We will review general concepts such as countries, professions, family, food, and the weather, while
revisiting basic verb tenses and grammar. You will find our refresher courses to be, well, refreshing!
REGULAR Basic I
204a
tuesday
level 4
tuition $ 250
Bienvenue à Paris
january 15 – march 12
7:50-9:30 pm
nicolas ségaud
In this fourth level of French, we will focus on moving around Paris, taking public transportation, booking a hotel
room, renting a car or an apartment, making a description of one’s housing, talking about daily habits, giving
or asking for time and talking about past events. We will review the present tense of savoir vs connaître and
reflexive verbs such as se promener, the passé composé and prepositions and adverbs of location and time ...
Welcome to Paris!
l’école française
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winter session 2013
BASIC II
a2 levels
Learning goals
Upon completion of these A2 levels, students can understand sentences and frequently used expressions
related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping,
local geography, employment). Can communicate about simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and
direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters. Can describe in simple terms aspects of his/
her background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need.
REFRESHER COURSE Basic II
251a
251b
wednesday
thursday
levels 4, 5, 6
january 16 – march 13
january 17 – march 14
12:00-1:40 pm
7:50-9:30 pm
tuition $ 250
nicolas ségaud
nicolas ségaud
This class will prepare you to move on to the intermediate level with confidence. We will review the present
tense of irregular verbs (savoir vs connaître, pouvoir, vouloir, devoir) and reflexive verbs as well as the passé
composé, the imparfait, direct and indirect pronouns, and the expression of duration (depuis, pendant, pour,
etc.). You will expand your vocabulary (transportation, housing, shopping, cultural and professional activities)
while improving your pronunciation – and enjoying yourself!
LE CLUB CONVERSATION Basic II
250b
wednesday
tuition $ 250
10:00-11:40 am
january 16 – march 13
nicolas ségaud
You have taken some classes, you’ve made progress, now you are ready for basic conversation in French.
In this class we will not ignore grammar, but the focus will be on communication and fun. Through guided
conversation, you will augment your vocabulary and lose your fear of making a mistake. No need to be shy,
come and enjoy!
EVENTS
OUR NEXT SESSION
Spring 2013
April 1 June 8
Regular
language
classes,
Specialized
courses
(conversation, conjugation, comprehension, grammar,
vocabulary, cinema, literature, music,...), lectures and
much more this Spring... for more information visit us at
www.lef-learn-french.com
l’école française
6
winter session 2013
INTERMEDIATE I
b1 levels
Learning goals
Upon completion of these B1 levels, students can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar
matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. Can deal with most situations likely to arise while
traveling in an area where the language is spoken. Can produce simple connected text on topics that are
familiar or of personal interest. Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes and ambitions and briefly
give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.
LE CLUB CONVERSATION Intermediate I
350a
350b
350c
tuesday
wednesday
saturday
january 15 – march 12
january 16 – march 13
january 19 – march 16
tuition $ 250
10:00-11:40 am
7:50-9:30 pm
2:00-3:40 pm
erwan sorel
nicolas ségaud
erwan sorel
You’ve learned the basics, now it’s time to talk! This class provides a supportive environment in which you
will speak, listen, and learn. You will help choose the topics for discussion. Through preparation and conversation,
you will notice your vocabulary and grammar improve while you share ideas and perspectives. Come join
the discussion!
REFRESHER COURSE Lower Intermediate I
351a
351b
monday
thursday
january 14 – march 11
january 17 – march 14
levels 7, 8, 9
6:00-7:40 pm
10:00-11:40 am
tuition $ 250
erwan sorel
nicolas ségaud
Feeling like it’s time for a review? In this class you will go beyond the basics and cover the passé composé
vs imparfait, the futur simple, the conditionnel présent, and the pronouns y and en. You will also work on
your pronunciation and increase your vocabulary while discussing sports, health and medicine, cosmetics and
the beauty industry, and relationships of friendship and love.
REFRESHER COURSE Intermediate I
351c
351d
tuesday
thursday
january 15 – march 12
january 17 – march 14
levels 10, 11, 12
12:00-1:40 pm
7:50-9:30 pm
tuition $ 250
nicolas ségaud
erwan sorel
In this fast-paced course you will review the future tenses, the conditionnel présent, the subjonctif, the passif,
and the pronoms relatifs simples. We will also discuss topics of interest such as new technologies, the internet
social media, and the traditional media (television, radio and the press.)
REFRESHER COURSE Upper Intermediate I
351e
351f
monday
thursday
january 14 – march 11
january 17 – march 14
levels 13, 14, 15
7:50-9:30 pm
10:00-11:40 am
tuition $ 250
nicolas ségaud
erwan sorel
In this class you will review and become more comfortable with the basics past tenses as well as the subjonctif,
the conditionnel présent et passé, the gérondif, and the pronoms relatifs composés. You will also discover
current French words and phrases that you never learned in high school!
l’école française
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winter session 2013
INTERMEDIATE II
b2 levels
Learning goals
Upon completion of these B2 levels, students can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete
and abstract topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialization. Can interact with a degree
of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain
for either party. Can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical
issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.
LE CLUB CONVERSATION Intermediate II
450a
thursday
january 15 – march 12
tuition $ 250
6:00-7:40 pm
erwan sorel
You have reached an intermediate level and now you wish to apply your knowledge through lively conversation?
In this relaxed yet structured setting, we will discuss timely topics, reviewing grammar when necessary. You will be
encouraged to lose your inhibitions and voice your opinions, en français!
REFRESHER COURSE Intermediate II
451a
451b
wednesday
thursday
january 16 – march 13
january 17 – march 14
levels 15, 16, 17
7:50-9:30 pm
12:00-1:40 pm
tuition $ 250
erwan sorel
nicolas ségaud
If you have completed the intermediate levels and would like to review and reinforce what you’ve learned,
choose this class. By means of fun exercises and activities, we will revisit the subjonctif présent et passé; futur
antérieur; expressions of goals, cause, consequence, and concession; and other grammatical structures.
Remember, the subjonctif is your friend!
REFRESHER COURSE Upper Intermediate II
451c
451d
tuesday
thursday
january 15 – march 12
january 17 – march 14
levels 18, 19, 20
12:00-1:40 pm
6:00-7:40 pm
tuition $ 250
erwan sorel
nicolas ségaud
You’ve studied French for quite some time but are still unclear about certain forme? This course designed for
you! We will review trickier grammatical concept such as le discours indirect, infinitif passé, subjonctif vs indicatif,
and passé simple. Through exercises and conversation, you will become better equipped to read - and
understand! - literary works in French.
MARDI GRAS CELEBRATION
EVENTS
saturday
a taste of Louisiana
february 16
7:00-9:00 pm
Mardi Gras, or «Fat Tuesday», is the last day of the Carnival
season as it always falls the day before As Wednesday, the
first day of Lent. Come join us and enjoy these popular festivities, wearing masks and costumes, savoring cajun food,
signature cocktails and win prizes!
Laissez les bons temps rouler ... (Let the good times roll).
l’école française
8
winter session 2013
ADVANCED I
levels
cc11levels
Learning goals
Upon completion of these C1 levels, students can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts,
and recognize implicit meaning. Can express him/herself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious
searching for expressions. Can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional
purposes. Can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of
organizational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.
VOCABULAIRE ON DEMAND Advanced I
551a
tuesday
january 15 – march 12
7:50-9:30 pm
tuition $ 250
erwan sorel
NEW
Design your own curriculum by selecting the topics of your choice and expand your vocabulary. Each class will
address a topic and its related vocabulary (traveling, cinema, music, arts, business, law, sciences, politics, etc.).
Through an interactive approach, new words, expressions, cognates, faux amis and proverbs will be introduced
to allow you to master these new terms and appropriately use them in context. If you are always «struggling» to
find the right word, this is the class for you!
GRAMMAIRE ET CONVERSATION Advanced I
551b
551c
tuesday
saturday
january 15 – march 12
january 19 – march 16
6:00-7:40 pm
10:00-11:40 am
tuition $ 250
erwan sorel
erwan sorel
You have learned a lot of grammar and vocabulary, but no matter how you rack your brain, you still can’t
figure out how to express certain ideas? (Maybe even the ones in that sentence!). In this class, you will learn
the finer points of grammar and syntax, allowing you to communicate more precisely, concisely, and confidently:
Say good-bye to your old bad habits!
LITTÉRATURE ET CINÉMA Advanced I
La dame dans l’auto avec des lunettes et un fusil
Sébastien Japrisot et Anatole Litvak
552b
wednesday
january 16 – march 13
6:00-7:40 pm
tuition $ 250
NEW
erwan sorel
«La dame dans l’auto la plus blonde, la plus belle, la plus myope, la plus
sentimentale, la plus menteuse, la plus vraie, la plus déroutante, la plus
obstinée, la plus inquiétante des héroïnes.»
A classic noir suspense novel with its film adaptation! Dany Longo is
blonde, beautiful, disturbed, passionate and nearsighted. As she speeds
through the south of France in a white purloined Thunderbird on an errand
for her employer and his wife, she stops at a gas station to fill up the car,
and walks off to the bathroom to wash her face. There an unknown
assailant attacks her. Nothing is taken from her but her wrist is broken. When
she complains to the manager of the station he tells her, bewildered, that
she was at this same station at seven in the morning and that her wrist was
already broken then. No one
including Dany herself, knows what is
happening, where she is heading or why she is going there. Sebastien Japrisot («A very long engagement»)
takes us on a brilliantly deceptive carousel ride!
Book
Film
La Dame dans l’auto avec des lunettes et un fusil Sébastien Japrisot Editions Folio (1966)
La Dame dans l’auto avec des lunettes et un fusil Anatole Litvak (1969)
Participants will have to order their own books (isbn: 978-2070407637)
l’école française
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winter session 2013
ADVANCED II
c2 levels
Learning goals
Upon completion of these C2 levels, students can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. Can
summarize information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a
coherent presentation. Can express him/herself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer
shades of meaning even in more complex situations.
REAL SPOKEN FRENCH le français tel qu’on le parle Advanced II
650a
monday
january 14 – march 11
7:50-9:30 pm
tuition $ 250
erwan sorel
NEW
Do French people speak too fast or do they speak a different language than French? Do Parisians take the
time pour parler plus lentement? In this course, we will analyze the technical aspects of real spoken French: les
sons muets et prononcés, les sons nasaux, les liaisons et les enchaînements, le «e» muet, les accents régionaux
et francophones sans oublier la langue familière... From various pedagogical materials (dialogues, movie
excerpts, TV interviews, news on the radio, and songs), you will understand why written French is the enemy of
spoken French. Let’s reconcile them!
tuition $ 250
CINÉMA: LE GROUPE CINÉPHILE Advanced II
Le Prénom
Alexandre de la Patellière et Mathieu Delaporte
651a
wednesday
january 16 – march 13
10:00-11:40 am
erwan sorel
A group of friends find their dinner date transformed into a dinner disaster in
What’s in a Name? (Le Prénom), an amusing, and well-acted French farce
in the pure tradition of boulevard classics le Diner de cons. Adapting their highly
successful stage version to the screen, Mathieu Delaporte and Alexandre de
la Patelliere offer up a lively take on love, friendship and baby-naming.
Pierre, professor at La Sorbonne, and his schoolteacher wife, Elisabeth get
dinner ready for their guest: Elisabeth’s brother, the suave real estate agent,
Vincent (Patrick Bruel) and long-time friend and classical trombonist, Claude.
This particular soiree is the occasion for Vincent to announce the name of his
upcoming baby to his sister and friends. Without giving it away, the name provokes
uproar among the group, and by the time Vincent’s pregnant wife Anna
shows up, everyone’s panties are in a bundle. A very subtle, witty and hilarious comedy!
Film
Le Prénom - Alexandre de La Patellière et Matthieu Delaporte (2012)
LE CERCLE LITTÉRAIRE Advanced II
Littérature classique
652a
friday
tuition $ 250
Du côté de chez Swann (1913) - Marcel Proust
january 18 – march 15
10:00-11:40 am
erwan sorel
NEW
Who is not familiar with Proust’s famous madeleines? In this course, we will revisit the first
volume, Du côté de chez Swann by Proust’s 7-volume masterpiece, A la recherche du
Temps Perdu. This very first volume is divided into 3 parts: Combray where the narrator
comes back on his childhood in a small country town and describes his meeting with
Charles Swann, an elegant man of Jewish origin with strong ties to society. The second
part Un amour de Swann is a flashback on Charles’ early life dealing with love, jealousy
and his passion for arts developing at the same time a real hatred for upper social
classes. Nom de pays, the third part, takes us into our narrator’s deepest thoughts, inner
dreams and traveling desires. A must-read masterpiece!
Book
Du côté de chez Swann - Editions Le livre de Poche (1913)
Participants will have to order their own book
(isbn : 9782253059097)
l’école française
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winter session 2013
NEXT CULTURAL EVENTS
WINTER SESSION 2013
REGISTRATION WEEK
monday, january 7 to saturday, january 12
10 am - 7 pm
we will be open for registration on these dates
You may register online at www.lef-learn-french.com
in person at 3349 N.Clark Street
or over the phone at 773 857 1322
A l’école française,
le bonheur c’est d’apprendre...
FREE TRIAL CLASSES & OPEN HOUSE
for all levels
FREE admission
wednesday january 9 6:00 - 8:00 pm
saturday january 12 10 am - 12 pm
www.lef-learn-french.com
Give French a try on us whether you take a class or not.
FREE trial classes, FREE placement tests, FREE refreshments and snacks.
For more information, contact us at info@lef-learn-french.com
MARDI GRAS CELEBRATION
a taste of Louisiana
saturday february 16 7:00-9:00 pm
Mardi Gras, or «Fat Tuesday», is the last day of the
Carnival season as it always falls the day before As
Wednesday, the first day of Lent. Come join us
and enjoy these popular festivities, wearing masks
and costumes, savoring cajun food, signature
cocktails and win prizes!
Laissez les bons temps rouler ... (Let the good times roll).
OUR NEXT SESSION
Regular
language
classes,
Specialized
courses
(conversation, conjugation, comprehension, grammar,
vocabulary, cinema, literature, music,...), lectures and
much more this Spring... for more information visit us at
www.lef-learn-french.com
Spring 2013
April 1 June 8
suivez-nous
aimez-nous
épinglez-nous
check-in chez nous
notez-nous
scannez-nous
l’école française
3349 • N. Clark Street • Chicago • IL 60657
773.857.1322 • www.lef-learn-french.com