A new section of each course starts monthly. If enrolling in a series of two or
more courses, please be sure to space the start date for each course at least two
months apart.
All courses run for six weeks, with a two-week grace period at the end. Two lessons
are released each week for the six-week duration of the course. You do not have
to be present when lessons are released. You will have access to all lessons until
the course ends. However, the interactive discussion area that accompanies each
lesson will automatically close two weeks after the lesson is released. As such,
we strongly recommend that you complete each lesson within two weeks of its release.
The final exam will be released on the same day as the last lesson. Once the final
exam has been released, you will have two weeks to complete all of your course work,
including the final exam.
Week One
Wednesday - Lesson 01
In this first lesson, you’ll learn the basics of pronunciation. Good pronunciation will help you communicate with native speakers. First, you'll learn how to pronounce vowels. French uses the same alphabet as English, and the vowels are the same. Then we'll move on to the consonants. After that, you'll learn about stressing syllables and linking words together.
Friday - Lesson 02
In your second lesson, you finally get to use all that pronunciation in some real sentences. We'll start with some basic information and a few rules. Then we'll move quickly to common words and some easy sentences. Finally, we'll talk about the weather and introduce numbers.
Week Two
Wednesday - Lesson 03
Today you'll learn numbers. We'll start off by reviewing what you've already learned. Then we'll move on to the teens and twenties. We'll keep going all the way to a billion! You'll also learn the days and months. Calendars are a little different in France, and you'll learn how to read them. You'll learn words for today and tomorrow. Next, you'll learn how to tell time in French. Time is important to travelers. You don't want to be late for the opera!
Friday - Lesson 04
Welcome to France! We're finally getting to the exciting part! In this lesson, you'll learn all about transportation. We'll start out at the airport. Then you'll learn words about taxis, buses, trains, and my favorite, the subway.
Week Three
Wednesday - Lesson 05
In this lesson, you'll learn vocabulary and dialogues for all sorts of lodging options. Hotels are the most popular place for tourists to stay, so we'll spend the most time on them. Next, you'll find out how to talk about other places to stay. First, you'll learn about youth hostels. Then we'll move on to apartments, resorts, and castles. (No, I've never spent the night in a castle, but it would be fun!) You’ll also learn about requesting special items and information.
Friday - Lesson 06
Today we're going to talk about food. First, you'll learn about different types of French restaurants. Then you'll learn general vocabulary about food and eating out. You'll also learn words for various beverages.
Week Four
Wednesday - Lesson 07
In the seventh lesson, you’ll learn about currency and different types of communication. First, you'll learn about money in France. Then we’ll move on to telephones, the mail, and technology.
Friday - Lesson 08
In this lesson, you’re going to learn how to talk about shopping in French. First, you’ll learn words that are used in all stores. Then we’ll talk about souvenirs. You can’t go on a trip without buying souvenirs!
Next, you’ll learn words for clothes. I’ll teach you a few tips for using French words, too. You’ll also learn names for colors and lots of different kinds of stores.
Week Five
Wednesday - Lesson 09
In Lesson 9, you’re going to learn French for lots of different forms of entertainment. We’ll start with the radio. Then we’ll move on to television and movies. You’ll also learn about sports and beaches. Then we’ll talk about the circus and fairs. Finally, you’ll learn about zoos and amusement parks.
Friday - Lesson 10
Today we’re going to talk about more entertainment options. We’ll focus on cultural tourist spots. We’ll start with museums and then move on to castles and cathedrals. France is famous for its castles, and everyone should see at least one. Then we’ll talk about the theater. You’ll learn words for plays, musicals, operas, and concerts.
Week Six
Wednesday - Lesson 11
In this lesson, you’re going to learn about emergencies. I hope you’ll never need to use this lesson. Life is unpredictable, though. It’s helpful to familiarize yourself with these words. Then, to lighten things up a little, we’ll be talking about French phrases. You’ll learn exclamations, as well as a few French proverbs and idioms.
Friday - Lesson 12
In your final lesson, we’ll start our review. We’ll go over a few key points, such as pronunciation and linking words. You’ll even get a little more practice on those cumbersome nasal vowels. Then, you’ll learn how to make your own sentences. I’ll teach you some simple sentences. All you have to do is plug in the word you need. Next, you’ll learn how to ask questions, and we'll cover a little sentence structure. Finally, you’ll learn some fun slang.