ASA: Academic Study Associates 2009 Programs

The academic program is composed of a 3-hour French language course each weekday morning and an 1 1/2 hour afternoon cultural elective which takes place four times a week. Upon arrival in Nice, students are given a comprehensive diagnostic exam and, based on the results of this examination, placed in French courses at one of seven levels from beginning to advanced.In total, students participate in 51 hours of French instruction and 24 hours of instruction in cultural electives. Morning French courses are taught exclusively in French by native speakers with specialized training in the teaching of French as a second language. Afternoon electives are taught by French instructors from local universities and trade schools. At the end of the program, ASA will provide a transcript including brief course descriptions, instructors' comments and final course grades. With the exception of French Cooking, all cultural electives will be held on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday afternoons. The Cooking course will be held twice a week for four hours a time (either Monday & Thursday or Tuesday & Friday). Students may choose from the following afternoon courses:

french art history

This course's objective is to provide students with the tools to understand and evaluate art across a variety of mediums. While students will gain a comprehensive knowledge of the history of European art from the Renaissance through the 20th century, their focus will be primarily artists who lived and worked on the Côte d’Azur. In this largely field-based course, Professor Michel Remy will offer guided visits to local art institutions, including the Chagall Museum, the Matisse Museum, the Picasso Museum in Antibes and the Maeght Foundation in St. Paul de Vence.

french cooking

French cuisine has continually captivated the imagination of visitors and locals alike. For centuries celebrated writers have documented their romance with Gallic food, and chefs around the world have flocked to France to learn the art of crafting the perfect bouef bourguignon or a flawless mousse au chocolat. In this course, students will gain both a comprehensive knowledge of the history of French cooking, and hands-on experience in a professional kitchen under the guidance of internationally recognized chef Jean Montegard. From croissants to cassoulet, this course will introduce students to the delicious and daring world of French cooking. ($180 supplement)

french conversation

This interactive elective is designed for students with at least two years of high school French who wish to improve their oral fluency and to engage in active discussion about the language and culture of France. Afternoon classes will be spent in both the classroom and in Nice, where students will be able to apply the conversation techniques and grammar studied in class in conversation with French natives. Students will discuss topics ranging from national politics to the World Cup soccer tournament to the latest hit at the French box office. Prepare for your AP French exam or SAT subject tests in a lively and engaging environment!

studio art

Designed for students of every level, this course focuses on the essential techniques of sketching and painting and takes advantage of Nice's many picturesque neighborhoods and natural beauty. Through artist Christophe Girard’s expert instruction, students will strive to master the art of figure drawing, still life, portraits and abstractions. Whether you are an advanced student hoping to perfect your portfolio for college applications or an art enthusiast wishing to gain basic technical skills, this course will offer a fun and creative setting in which to explore your inner artist. ($80 supplement)

french cinema

France is home to a rich and complex cinematic tradition. In this course, students will study the history of this celebrated art form, as well as many of its defining characteristics and notable figures. While this course is intended to be a survey of French cinema, it will focus largely on films from the Nouvelle Vague, including iconic works by François Truffaut and Jean Luc Godard. Students will develop an appreciation for French cinema not as an artistic genre, but also as a platform for social commentary, political dissent and aesthetic invention.