The objective of this course is to inform students about issues in contemporary France, and also to improve their skills in oral and written communication. The course will deal with the following issues:

1. France and Europe: the geography of France, Paris and the urban life, the regions and provinces, languages spoken in France, the European union.

2. The political life: the French Republic, the State, the political parties and elections.

In addition to the readings from the book La France Contemporaine 4th edition by Edmiston and Dumémil (Heinle Cengage Learning, 2009), students will watch news from the French TV stations France 2 or TV5and will do research using the internet, newspapers, and periodicals available at the MIIS library.

Students will practice using the lexicon and structures relevant to their professional objectives. They will have short oral presentations and writing assignments in which they will review the lexicon and grammatical structures encountered in the readings. The course will also include the review of grammar points that pose difficulties for non-native speakers.

Working in groups of 2, students will prepare an oral presentation on a contemporary topic not covered in class.

The level of French required for this course is about the equivalent of four semesters of college French. Students should be able to communicate their ideas clearly both orally and in writing.