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DUEFÉtudes Françaises
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// Curriculum

Six modules.
One diploma.

600h+

Total Contact Hours

Sep–Jun

Academic Year

6

Core Modules

A1–C2

CEFR Levels Covered

// Module Details

Every module, in detail.

01
12 hrs/week360 hours total

Core Module — A1 to C2

French Language

The cornerstone of the DUEF program. Students are placed in level-appropriate groups and progress through systematic grammar instruction, written expression, reading comprehension, and vocabulary development across all six CEFR levels.

Learning Outcomes

Grammatical accuracy at level-appropriate CEFR standard

Written expression: formal letters, essays, analyses

Reading comprehension of authentic French texts

Vocabulary of 4,000+ words at C1/C2 level

02
4 hrs/week120 hours total

Elective — Intermediate to Advanced

French Civilization & Culture

An interdisciplinary survey of French society from the Ancien Régime to contemporary France. Topics include political institutions, the education system, regional diversity, immigration, secularism (laïcité), and French cultural exports.

Learning Outcomes

Understanding of French political and social structures

Critical reading of French news and opinion media

Knowledge of key historical turning points in French history

Cultural competency for academic and professional contexts

03
3 hrs/week90 hours total

Core Module — B1 to C2

French Literature

A chronological survey of French literary production from the 17th century to the present. Students read and analyze primary texts by authors including Molière, Voltaire, Flaubert, Zola, Proust, Sartre, de Beauvoir, and Duras.

Learning Outcomes

Close reading and textual analysis in French

Understanding of major literary movements and periods

Academic essay writing on literary themes

Oral discussion and argumentation in French

04
3 hrs/week90 hours total

Core Module — All Levels

Phonetics & Oral Communication

Dedicated to developing clear, natural spoken French. Covers the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) applied to French, liaison rules, intonation patterns, and oral presentation skills. Includes regular recorded practice sessions.

Learning Outcomes

Correct pronunciation of all French phonemes

Natural intonation and rhythm in speech

Confident oral presentation and debate participation

Listening comprehension of regional French accents

05
2 hrs/week60 hours total

Elective — B2 to C1

French Business Writing

Practical training in professional French written communication. Covers formal correspondence, administrative documents, report writing, meeting minutes, and the conventions of French professional culture.

Learning Outcomes

Drafting formal letters and emails in French professional register

Writing clear reports and summaries (compte-rendu)

Understanding of French administrative vocabulary

Preparation for professional or academic environments in France

06
2 hrs/week60 hours total

Optional Elective — B1 and above

French History

An optional deep-dive into French history from the Revolution to the Fifth Republic. Examines the Revolution, Napoleon, the colonial period, the two World Wars, Vichy, decolonization, and the construction of modern France.

Learning Outcomes

Chronological understanding of French history from 1789 to present

Critical analysis of primary historical sources in French

Understanding of France's role in European and world history

Preparation for French university history courses

// CEFR Progression

From first word
to full fluency.

A1

Breakthrough

Weeks 1–6

Complete beginners. Basic interactions, simple phrases, and fundamental vocabulary.

A2

Waystage

Weeks 7–14

Simple exchanges on familiar topics. Routine tasks in French-speaking environments.

B1

Threshold

Weeks 15–22

Independent communication on work, school, and travel topics. Coherent written texts.

B2

Vantage

Weeks 23–30

Fluent interaction with native speakers. Detailed writing on complex subjects.

C1

Advanced

Weeks 31–36

Flexible, effective language use in academic and professional contexts. Nuanced expression.

C2

Mastery

Weeks 37–40

Near-native proficiency. Precise, spontaneous, and natural expression in all contexts.

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