Classes Offered

Each class is offered in fall session, winter session, spring session and summer session. It is recommended that students take classes (fall through summer) sequentially at all levels to fully benefit from the classes. This is especially important for absolute beginners. Students with French background, substantial experience or former French instruction may choose to begin a class mid-year. For example, such a student may choose to begin a Refresher Beginner course at any one of the fall through summer sessions. Advanced students may also choose to take Advanced Literature or Advanced Conversation at any point in the year.

For questions about class selection, please contact Pauline Guimond Grant, French Classes Coordinator, at cpgrant@comcast.net or (603) 623-1093. For registration information, please see the "Registration Process" section below on this page.

Absolute Beginner

Course Description

The Absolute Beginner classes are intended for the student with no previous knowledge of French.  The student will learn basic conversational skills, such as greetings, descriptions, and other basic survival skills in the language (asking directions, traveling, day to day vocabulary needs).  The student will learn to communicate in the present, past and future, and be introduced to francophone culture.

Fall Session begins Wednesday, September 15, 2010 (Instructor: TBA)

Refresher Beginner

Course Description

The Refresher Beginner classes are intended for students who have had some French instruction or have been introduced to French through their background, but need a review of the basics before advancing in the language.  Refresher Beginner sessions 1-4 cover the same material as the Absolute Beginner and Transitional classes, but at an accelerated pace.
Fall Session begins Wednesday, September 22, 2010 (Instructor: Pauline Guimond Grant)

Transitional

Course Description

The Transitional classes are intended for the student who has completed the Absolute Beginner classes or has acquired the equivalent knowledge through other studies or experience.  Transitional classes provide an in-depth study of the past, present and future tenses.  Students will learn to accept and refuse, and converse using more advanced forms of questioning and polite requests.  Students will also improve pronunciation and conversational skills and be exposed to more francophone culture.
Fall Session begins Monday, September 13, 2010 (Instructor: Andre Krause)

Intermediate

Course Description

The Intermediate classes are intended for the student who has completed the Transitional classes, Refresher Beginner classes, or has acquired the same knowledge through other studies or experience.  Intermediate classes provide a reinforcement of the Transitional levels, expanding on the uses and nuances of the past, present and future tenses.  Students will learn to express hypothetical situations using the conditional tense, and express wishes, desires, necessity and uncertainty through an introduction to the subjunctive tense.   Students will develop conversational skills on a variety of subjects and learn more about francophone culture.
Fall Session begins Monday, September 20, 2010 (Instructor: Pauline Guimond Grant)

Advanced French Literature

The Advanced classes are intended for students who have completed the Intermediate classes or have acquired the same knowledge through other studies or experience.  Students will improve their grammar and fluency through an introduction to French Poetry. Students will read, analyze, discuss and translate poems. French music will also be used to improve students' listening comprehension skills and expand students' vocabulary. Prerequisite: completion of Intermediate French or higher. Contact instructor for more details: megcashman@yahoo.com.
Fall Session begins Tuesday, September 14, 2010 (Instructor: Meghan Licata)

Advanced French Conversation

Various topics are discussed from reading excerpts, magazine and newspaper articles,etc. Students discuss such subjects as transportation, family life, foods, markets, meals, restaurants, cooking, recipes,etiquette, health, vacations and hobbies. Students are encouraged to share personal anecdotes about their own life situations. The syllabus for this class changes from week to week according to the students' needs and interests.
Fall Session begins Tuesday, September 28, 2010 (Instructor: Diane Noucas)

Private Instruction/Tutoring

Private Classes
1 class for $50
5 classes for $225 ($45 each)
10 classes for $400 ($40 each)

Semi-Private Classes
1 class for $45
5 classes for $200 ($40 each)
10 classes for $350 ($35 each)

Children’s Programs

Ages 3-5:  J’explore le français (I explore French)
Children explore the French language through songs and games. 
This class is not currently offered, but it may be offered in the fall of 2010 if there is sufficient interest.

Ages 6-9 :  J’apprends le français (I learn French)
Students are introduced to basic French grammar and vocabulary, such as greetings, days of the week, and commands.  Songs and games reinforce the language and make learning fun.
This class is not currently offered, but it may be offered in the fall of 2010 if there is sufficient interest.

Ages 10-13 :  Je parle français (I speak French)
Students learn to speak French through a variety of fun and engaging activities.
This class is not currently offered, but it may be offered in the fall of 2010 if there is sufficient interest.

Registration Process:

Sign Up & Payment: For questions about class selection, contact Pauline Guimond Grant, French Classes Coordinator, at cpgrant@comcast.net or (603) 623-1093. To register for a class, contact Lise Sutton, FAC Administrator, at (603) 669-4045. The cost is $250 for a 10 week course. Additionally, there is an annual FAC student membership fee of $35 to take a class. Students may pay by cash, personal check, or credit card. The Centre accepts Visa, Mastercard and American Express. There is a returned check fee of $20.

Class Location: The Centre is conveniently located in downtown Manchester at 52 Concord St. Students should use the side entrance located in the parking lot. Classes are held in the "Secretary's Office" on the first floor, in the "Bibliotheque" on the second floor or in the "Salon" in the basement. The Centre is wheelchair accessible by means of a ramp on the East side of the building between the FAC and the YWCA. However, once in the building wheelchair access is only to the "Grand Hall" and the "Galerie".

Parking: Free parking is provided for students in the FAC parking lot on the west side of the building. However, students will need to see Lise Sutton upon arrival at the Centre to obtain a parking pass.

Withdrawals and Refunds: Tuition must be paid in full prior to the first class. Withdrawals from classes must be made in writing to the Franco-American Centre. Notification to a teacher is not an acceptable withdrawal. Refunds are issued as follows: A full refund is issued if withdrawal takes place one week prior to the start of the first class. A 50% refund will be issued after the first class. There are no refunds after the second class.

Cancellations: Classes are automatically cancelled when the Manchester Schools are closed due to inclement weather. All classes cancelled due to inclement weather will be made up. Students should contact their individual teachers for details on make up dates.