The dedicated and creative teachers and scholars in the French department share a commitment to excellence of instruction. All courses are led by instructors who have received extensive training in the teaching of French as a second language. In the course of learning French, students are taught how to reflect on the meaning of linguistic and cultural similarities and differences, and they acquire new insights into the complexities of human communication and human culture. In addition to a review of all skills (speaking, listening, reading, writing, as well as cultural literacy), Berkeley's language program is unique in placing early emphasis on issues of rhetoric, organization, and style in students' spoken and written communication. Many of the communicative skills our students acquire in French transfer directly into other courses, helping them to succeed in those areas. Class size is kept small to allow for individual attention and maximum opportunity for practice.
For more French summer courses, visit the class schedule.
