Penn-in-Tours, France

Relish all that France’s exquisite Loire Valley has to offer as you immerse yourself in French language and culture this summer.

All courses in this 6-week intensive program are taught in French and offer University of Pennsylvania course credits. The program begins in Paris and includes group excursions to cultural sites. Students live with French families in order to enhance their linguistic skills and cultural understanding.

Information Session

Join us at the following session to learn more. Click on the date for details. 

• Tuesday, February 9, 2010. 5:00 p.m.
  

Program Calendar

Course Information

All students register for a total of 2 course units (CUs). Course offerings are subject to change.

Note for Visiting Students: One CU is generally considered to be equivalent to three semester hours when Penn coursework is transferred to another institution.

Courses

Intensive Intermediate French
FRENCH 134 (2CU)
Fulfills the language Requirement in French. Prerequisite: French 120, 121 or equivalent (1 year of college French). Taught by Pascal Rollet, Carthage College

French 134 covers the equivalent of 130 and 140 at Penn. This course is also open to students who have completed third-semester French or its equivalent at Penn (French 130). Students who have completed French 130 receive credit for 140 and for one free elective at the advanced level. The course stresses the development of functional proficiency in speaking, listening, reading and writing, combined with a systematic review of grammar. It includes a strong focus on French culture, in particular contemporary France with a special emphasis on youth culture.  It meets five days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Out-of-class activities are regularly integrated into classroom assignments. The course cannot be taken Pass/Fail.

Advanced French with a Cross-Cultural Focus
FRENCH 216 (1CU)
Prerequisite: French 140 (or its equivalent) or exemption from the language requirement in French
Taught by Kathryn K. McMahon, University of Pennsylvania

This is a third-year-level French course designed to help students become autonomous learners of the language so that they will gain the maximum benefit from their time in France. It will also give them the tools to continue to learn the language independently in the future. At the beginning, students will explore their personal learning styles and use of language-learning strategies in order to become more reflective learners. While the course touches on some grammar review, its main emphasis is on colloquial French with special emphasis on the listening and speaking skills. Readings and class discussion are centered on cross-cultural issues that help the students in their adaptation to life in France. Assignments regularly involve observation activities by the students and discussion with their host families.  Class meets four days a week for a total of six hours a week.

Tours de France: French History Seen Through the Prism of Tours
FRENCH 226 (1CU)
Fulfills Sector Requirement II: History & Tradition
Taught by Melanie Peron, University of Pennsylvania

This course will introduce students to key chapters of French history from the Gallo-Roman period to WWII. As "lieux de mémoire" which witnessed and still bear the traces of a rich and eventful past, the streets and monuments of Tours will guide our steps through this historical voyage.  The major chapters of the historical narrative will focus on the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, and World War II, periods that are clearly visible in the cityscape of Tours and its surroundings.  Class will include regular outings to historical sites. This course may also be taken for 300-level credit (additional work required). Class meets four days a week for a total of six hours a week.

Contemporary France through the Media (in French)
French 233/French 312 (1CU)
Fulfills General Education Requirement: Cross-cultural Analysis
Taught by Melanie Peron, University of Pennsylvania

This course offers a socio-cultural survey of contemporary France through its media. It acquaints students with the daily press, magazines, and television, while tracing emerging cultural trends through music, cinema, video, advertising and comics. Students follow recent developments in French society, and look into the current cultural forces at work today. This summer, particular attention will be given to youth culture and French cinema. Cultural events such as the "Fête de la musique" will also be discussed. Readings and documents introduce new vocabulary in context, and provide a better grasp of the changes shaping daily life in France in 2009. This course may also be taken for 300-level credit (additional work required). Class meets four days a week for a total of six hours a week.

Housing

Students live with French families in order to experience full linguistic and cultural immersion. Housing is prearranged through a local coordinator and all students will be asked to complete a host family accommodation form to list any special dietary needs or allergies Breakfast and dinner are provided by the family.

Contact Information

Program Director
for details about the program, courses, or location including academic advising, travel dates, housing and orientation

Kathryn K. McMahon 
Director of Language Programs
Department of Romance Languages
University of Pennsylvania
E-mail: kmcmahon@sas.upenn.edu
Tel: 215-898-7440

Penn Summer Abroad Office
for assistance with application, financial questions, pre-departure, or other general information

Penn Summer Abroad
College of Liberal & Professional Studies (LPS)
University of Pennsylvania
3440 Market Street, Suite 100
Philadelphia, PA 19104-3335
Tel: 215-573-7537
Fax: 215-573-2053
E-mail: summerabroad@sas.upenn.edu