French as a Foreign Language
General French (A1 to B1 levels)
This 4.5-hour-per-week (3x1.5h) course aims to reinforce global skills in French through listening, speaking, writing and reading. The programme covers the grammar, vocabulary, phonetics and communication needed for daily or academic purposes. Ideal for international students of all levels (A1 to B1). After the first semester, students continue their training during the second semester in the level courses determined by their tutors.
- General French (A1 level)
- General French (A2 level)
- General French (B1 level)
Grammar (B2 to C1 levels)
Those courses focus on enhancing the grammar needed to achieve strong mastery of the French language. They focus on syntax, conjugation, agreement and advanced structures. Recommended for B2 and C1 learners.
- Grammar (B2 level)
- Grammar (C1 level)
FAP – French for Academic Purposes (B2 to C1 levels)
FAP courses prepare students to meet academic requirements in French. They tackle skills such as academic writing, speaking in public, reasoning and participating in debates. Each class of 1.5 hour per week focuses on a key skill and is adapted to B2-to-C1 levels. It is recommended to attend several classes of a same level per semester to make faster progress. E.g.: Grammar B2+ FAP B2 Speaking in public.
- Mastering writing skills (B2 level)
- Speaking in public (B2 level)
- Debating with ease (LLM students have priority, min. B2 level)
- Academic writing (C1 level)
- Academic speaking (C1 level)
C.F.S - Certificat du Français de Spécialité (Certificate in French for Professional Purposes) (C1 level)
The courses preparing the CFS university diploma allow students to acquire advanced knowledge in the French and academic French language in relation to majors in law, economics, political science and information-communication.
CFS Preparation (C1 level)
- Grammar: Traditional and context-based exercises to understand the subtleties of the French language and improve writing and speaking skills in French.
- Academic writing: Progressively mastering the French way of writing essays thanks to the reading and analysis of texts related to current affairs. Expressing one’s opinion in a structured and clear way.
- Academic speaking: Understanding oral (radio, video) or written documents based on current affairs. Learning how to identify essential information and present it orally.
* All the courses are available for the second semester except the A2 level. The students who are part of a one-year mobility programme are invited to attend the two semesters. Students attending only second-semester classes will join the groups corresponding to their level after an online assessment.
Courses are for a whole year
You progress from semester 1 to semester 2.
Starting from the B2 and C1 levels, it is possible to choose one, two or three courses at the same level and consequently accumulate ECTS credits.
Enrolment
Pre-enrolment is done based on a mandatory online assessment of the student’s French level (see p. 6). The number of students per group being limited, pre-enrolment means commitment to come to classes. Students who are absent three times without providing any valid justification will no longer be allowed to attend the class.
Enrolment can be per semester or for a whole year depending on the duration of the mobility programme.
ECTS
ECTS credits are awarded if the student:
- has reached the required group level and passes with at least 50% (10/20)
- has regularly come to the classes they were enrolled in.
*A minimum of 30 hours (for students enrolled for a semester at the University) or a minimum of 60 hours (for students enrolled for a whole year) of attendance is required to take the CFS exam. Validation for a year: 9 ECTS credits
Description of the language levels (CEFR)
Courses are organised based on the levels defined in the Common European Framework of References for Language (CEFR). To understand what those levels correspond to, visit this website.
- A1 – Introductory: Understands and uses familiar and everyday expressions.
- A2 – Usual: Is able to communicate in simple and routine tasks.
- B1 – Threshold: Understands the essential points of a discussion when clear.
- B2 – Advanced: Communicates spontaneously and expresses a clear and detailed opinion.
- C1 – Autonomous: Speaks fluently and understands demanding texts.
Testing my level
Before enrolling in an FFL course adapted to your level, please take the online test that you think corresponds to your oral and written skills.
Test duration: About 15 minutes.
|
Level test |
Result |
Course level |
|
Beginner
|
No test
|
A1 |
|
|
1/15-5/15 |
A1 |
|
6/15-10/15 |
A2 |
|
|
11/15-15/15 |
Take B1 test |
|
|
|
1/15-5/15 |
A2 |
|
6/15-10/15 |
B1 |
|
|
11/15-15/15 |
Take B2 test |
|
|
|
1/15-5/15 |
B1 |
|
6/15-10/15 |
B2 |
|
|
11/15-15/15 |
C1 |
Note:
You may take the tests for several levels.
Your pre-enrolment will be confirmed by your tutor during the first session of your chosen class.
If the level of your group is not adapted, you will be redirected to the relevant level.
Do not hesitate to ask your tutor for further information during class.
Preparing the Certificat du Français de Spécialité - C.F.S (Certificate in French for Professional Purposes):
Your level in French is B2 and you consider applying to a Master’s programme, preparing the CFS will develop your written as well as oral skills, and to allow you to take the CFS exam, a C1-level university diploma. See tab 'Courses’ above.
Exams of the CFS: Dissertation (French essay) (3h) + oral presentation (5 to 7 minutes)
The number of students per group is limited, online pre-enrolment is mandatory.
Starting from the B2 level, it is recommended to attend several courses of the same level per semester to make faster progress. E.g.: Grammar B2 + FAP B2.
After passing the level test (p. 6) or if you already hold a language certificate, you can pre-enrol in the selected courses the corresponding level on the following Google form: pre-enrol.
Schedule
Warning! If you attend courses which grant any credits, marks or bonus points, your registration is mandatory. It will be done by the administrative office of your programme (see tab 'Contacts' below).
Director of International Strategy and Partnerships
Secretariats
- Students on an exchange programme / double degrees
Mobility Department : Centre Panthéon, Room 5 (12, place du Panthéon – 75005 Paris)
Tel : + 33.1.44.41.55.30
incoming@assas-universite.fr (exchanges)
doublesdiplomes@assas-universite.fr
Hours : on tuesdays and thursdays from 9.30 am to 11.30 am and on wednesdays and fridays from 2.00 pm to 4.30 pm.
- Higher Education Diploma Student
International Courses and Campus Department / Assas Centre, room 706 – 7th floor (92 rue d’Assas – 75006 Paris)
Virginie SEBILLE (DSU)
- L.L.M students
Your L.L.M. administrative office
- Students outside a mobility programme
Your Bachelor’s / Master’s Services Department
Assas Centre, 3rd floor – room 311 (92 rue d’Assas – 75006 Paris)
Hours: monday to friday from 9.30 am to 5 pm
- Language department
FFL courses schedule : Assas Centre - 3rd floor, room 313 (92 rue d’Assas – 75006 Paris)
Phone; +33.1.44.41.57.74
pole-langues@assas-universite.fr
Hours : monday to friday from 9.30 am to 12.00am and from 2.00 pm to 4.30 pm.
Whom are those classes for?
French-as-a-foreign-language semester courses are for any student registered at Paris Panthéon-Assas University who wants to reinforce their language skills for academic, professional or personal reasons.
They are for:
- international exchange students,
- international students who are not part of an exchange programme,
- PhD students and researchers who are part of a mobility programme.
Course organisation
Courses take place over one or two academic semesters (12 weeks per semester).
Each course corresponds to a specific number of contact hours and allows students to get ECTS credits.
Courses are based on CEFR levels – A1, A2, B1, B2, C1.
Courses are conducted in person in traditional classroom setting, mainly on the Assas and Panthéon sites.
Educational methods
Teaching is based on a communication and task- / action-oriented approach, which includes speaking, listening, reading and writing, practical work and interactive activities.
Some classes focus on specific skills such as grammar, writing or speaking in public.
Assessment is continuous throughout the semester.
Credits and diploma recognition
Courses that are validated (minimum grade of 10/20) may grant credits depending on the number of contact hours and on condition that the student regularly attends classes.
- 1 course over a whole semester => 1.5 ECTS
- 2 courses over a whole semester => 3 ECTS
- 3 courses over a whole semester => 4.5 ECTS
1 course = 1.5 hour per week
Those credits may count towards your qualification in your home institution, depending on your programme. For more information, see tab 'Contacts' below.
General French (A1 to B1 levels)
This 4.5-hour-per-week (3x1.5h) course aims to reinforce global skills in French through listening, speaking, writing and reading. The programme covers the grammar, vocabulary, phonetics and communication needed for daily or academic purposes. Ideal for international students of all levels (A1 to B1). After the first semester, students continue their training during the second semester in the level courses determined by their tutors.
- General French (A1 level)
- General French (A2 level)
- General French (B1 level)
Grammar (B2 to C1 levels)
Those courses focus on enhancing the grammar needed to achieve strong mastery of the French language. They focus on syntax, conjugation, agreement and advanced structures. Recommended for B2 and C1 learners.
- Grammar (B2 level)
- Grammar (C1 level)
FAP – French for Academic Purposes (B2 to C1 levels)
FAP courses prepare students to meet academic requirements in French. They tackle skills such as academic writing, speaking in public, reasoning and participating in debates. Each class of 1.5 hour per week focuses on a key skill and is adapted to B2-to-C1 levels. It is recommended to attend several classes of a same level per semester to make faster progress. E.g.: Grammar B2+ FAP B2 Speaking in public.
- Mastering writing skills (B2 level)
- Speaking in public (B2 level)
- Debating with ease (LLM students have priority, min. B2 level)
- Academic writing (C1 level)
- Academic speaking (C1 level)
C.F.S - Certificat du Français de Spécialité (Certificate in French for Professional Purposes) (C1 level)
The courses preparing the CFS university diploma allow students to acquire advanced knowledge in the French and academic French language in relation to majors in law, economics, political science and information-communication.
CFS Preparation (C1 level)
- Grammar: Traditional and context-based exercises to understand the subtleties of the French language and improve writing and speaking skills in French.
- Academic writing: Progressively mastering the French way of writing essays thanks to the reading and analysis of texts related to current affairs. Expressing one’s opinion in a structured and clear way.
- Academic speaking: Understanding oral (radio, video) or written documents based on current affairs. Learning how to identify essential information and present it orally.
* All the courses are available for the second semester except the A2 level. The students who are part of a one-year mobility programme are invited to attend the two semesters. Students attending only second-semester classes will join the groups corresponding to their level after an online assessment.
Courses are for a whole year
You progress from semester 1 to semester 2.
Starting from the B2 and C1 levels, it is possible to choose one, two or three courses at the same level and consequently accumulate ECTS credits.
Enrolment
Pre-enrolment is done based on a mandatory online assessment of the student’s French level (see p. 6). The number of students per group being limited, pre-enrolment means commitment to come to classes. Students who are absent three times without providing any valid justification will no longer be allowed to attend the class.
Enrolment can be per semester or for a whole year depending on the duration of the mobility programme.
ECTS
ECTS credits are awarded if the student:
- has reached the required group level and passes with at least 50% (10/20)
- has regularly come to the classes they were enrolled in.
*A minimum of 30 hours (for students enrolled for a semester at the University) or a minimum of 60 hours (for students enrolled for a whole year) of attendance is required to take the CFS exam. Validation for a year: 9 ECTS credits
Description of the language levels (CEFR)
Courses are organised based on the levels defined in the Common European Framework of References for Language (CEFR). To understand what those levels correspond to, visit this website.
- A1 – Introductory: Understands and uses familiar and everyday expressions.
- A2 – Usual: Is able to communicate in simple and routine tasks.
- B1 – Threshold: Understands the essential points of a discussion when clear.
- B2 – Advanced: Communicates spontaneously and expresses a clear and detailed opinion.
- C1 – Autonomous: Speaks fluently and understands demanding texts.
Testing my level
Before enrolling in an FFL course adapted to your level, please take the online test that you think corresponds to your oral and written skills.
Test duration: About 15 minutes.
|
Level test |
Result |
Course level |
|
Beginner
|
No test
|
A1 |
|
|
1/15-5/15 |
A1 |
|
6/15-10/15 |
A2 |
|
|
11/15-15/15 |
Take B1 test |
|
|
|
1/15-5/15 |
A2 |
|
6/15-10/15 |
B1 |
|
|
11/15-15/15 |
Take B2 test |
|
|
|
1/15-5/15 |
B1 |
|
6/15-10/15 |
B2 |
|
|
11/15-15/15 |
C1 |
Note:
You may take the tests for several levels.
Your pre-enrolment will be confirmed by your tutor during the first session of your chosen class.
If the level of your group is not adapted, you will be redirected to the relevant level.
Do not hesitate to ask your tutor for further information during class.
Preparing the Certificat du Français de Spécialité - C.F.S (Certificate in French for Professional Purposes):
Your level in French is B2 and you consider applying to a Master’s programme, preparing the CFS will develop your written as well as oral skills, and to allow you to take the CFS exam, a C1-level university diploma. See tab 'Courses’ above.
Exams of the CFS: Dissertation (French essay) (3h) + oral presentation (5 to 7 minutes)
The number of students per group is limited, online pre-enrolment is mandatory.
Starting from the B2 level, it is recommended to attend several courses of the same level per semester to make faster progress. E.g.: Grammar B2 + FAP B2.
After passing the level test (p. 6) or if you already hold a language certificate, you can pre-enrol in the selected courses the corresponding level on the following Google form: pre-enrol.
Schedule
Warning! If you attend courses which grant any credits, marks or bonus points, your registration is mandatory. It will be done by the administrative office of your programme (see tab 'Contacts' below).
Director of International Strategy and Partnerships
Secretariats
- Students on an exchange programme / double degrees
Mobility Department : Centre Panthéon, Room 5 (12, place du Panthéon – 75005 Paris)
Tel : + 33.1.44.41.55.30
incoming@assas-universite.fr (exchanges)
doublesdiplomes@assas-universite.fr
Hours : on tuesdays and thursdays from 9.30 am to 11.30 am and on wednesdays and fridays from 2.00 pm to 4.30 pm.
- Higher Education Diploma Student
International Courses and Campus Department / Assas Centre, room 706 – 7th floor (92 rue d’Assas – 75006 Paris)
Virginie SEBILLE (DSU)
- L.L.M students
Your L.L.M. administrative office
- Students outside a mobility programme
Your Bachelor’s / Master’s Services Department
Assas Centre, 3rd floor – room 311 (92 rue d’Assas – 75006 Paris)
Hours: monday to friday from 9.30 am to 5 pm
- Language department
FFL courses schedule : Assas Centre - 3rd floor, room 313 (92 rue d’Assas – 75006 Paris)
Phone; +33.1.44.41.57.74
pole-langues@assas-universite.fr
Hours : monday to friday from 9.30 am to 12.00am and from 2.00 pm to 4.30 pm.
