Courses for UVA in Lyon 2024

FREN 2010-2020: Intermediate French (6 credits)

This 6-credit/6-week sequence focuses on the development of speaking, listening, reading and writing skills in French while taking full advantage of the unique cultural immersion experience of life in Lyon. Expanding the walls of the classroom into the city itself, students will enjoy cultural outings designed to complement the curriculum. (Fulfills year 2 of the College Required Course Sequence).

Former students wrote:  “The teachers were amazing and I learned so much in a short time frame.” “All the activities deepened my understanding because we used French and experienced cultural aspects first hand.’” Class was a great mix of traditional academic instruction and activity-based practice.” “The professors were immensely helpful and willing to aid in my learning of the language.” The classes were intellectually engaging. It was nice to speak and learn about French from the context of actually living in France instead of viewing it from the outside.”

FREN 3034:  Advanced Oral and Written Expression in French, “Café Culture: The Art of Speaking and Writing Well in French” (3 credits)

Writers of "the Lost Generation," such as Hemingway, chose the café as a preferred location for writing and observing French life. Students enrolled in FREN 3034 will meet and work in cafés and migrate throughout the city of Lyon, as they work on perfecting their oral and written skills in French. FREN 3034 is a course for intermediate-level students who wish to improve their mastery of the French language while studying contemporary French culture. Prerequisite for this summer course: FREN 2020 or FREN 2320.

Former students wrote:  “This class challenged me to think about cultures outside of my own and allowed me to gain a perspective I never would have had otherwise."

This course counts toward the major and minor in French.

FREN 3585 / 4585 Topics in Cultural Studies¬¬— ** Prerequisite: FREN 3031 & 3032 or equivalent.**

“Colonisation et décolonisation du XIXeme siècle à aujourd’hui”                                      

Instructor: Prof. Frédéric Fouletier

Course description coming soon!

FREN 3585 / 4585 Topics in Cultural Studies¬¬— ** Prerequisite: FREN 3031 & 3032 or equivalent.**

“Tissu  urbain: Urban Storytelling in Lyon”

Instructor : Prof. Kelley Cordova

From the vestiges of Gallo-Roman society at Fourvière, to the state of the art and ecologically responsible Confluence district, Lyon’s diverse urban landscape is a testament to its two millennia of history. As we immerse ourselves in Lyon’s growing métropole this summer, what would we learn about the city’s past, present, and future if we allowed this rich tapestry to reveal itself to us? What stories will the exploration of the unique elements of Lyon’s urban fabric disclose? How do the curation and practice of Lyonnais space inform the city’s identity and French identity in general, and vice versa? What features of Lyon’s cityscape speak most to you, and what story do they inspire you to tell? Part seminar, part flânerie, this course will use architecture and urban planning as points of access to historical and cultural inquiry and analysis. Readings from the fields of urban studies, history, art history and ethnography along with maps, photographs, artwork and films will inform our experiential learning endeavor and weekly logbook entries from students. To honor the birthplace of cinema’s Lumière brothers, the course will culminate in a collective film project where students will take part in deciphering and conveying Lyon’s extraordinary urban stories. 

Students can take this course topic at the 3585 or 4585 level. All coursework will be in French. This course counts toward the major and minor in French.

Student Reflections on Lyon

"I had an amazing time in Lyon. It was a very comfortable place to improve my French and the experiences I gained will stick with me forever."
      ~Martha Eason

" I could go on and on and on and on about how absolutely fabulous Lyon was."
      ~Lauren Newman

"One of my favorite moments...was when I realized I had been walking around Lyon for days without using a map and that I didn't need one anymore."
      ~Codi Trigger

"The UVa in Lyon program offered me a perfect way to experience France with its fair balance of organized program activities, which helped us to acquaint ourselves with the city and its culture, and gain confidence in a unknown place. Still we had plenty of free time, which I got to spend exploring on my own and with fellow students. A couple of experiences I will never forget include: cooking with a chef in Lyon (the gastronomical capital of France!), a 40km tandem bike ride in the town of Annecy with the French Alps as our backdrop, staying up all night for the summer solstice music festival, or a simple walk, browsing used books from vendors by the river and a glace enjoyed while strolling the cobblestone streets of Vieux Lyon (the historical district). "The assurance and encouragement I received from the locals when I practiced French in "real life" is something I will always remember fondly. Whether asking for peppers in the local market or directions to the nearest metro stop, I was often met with receptive smiles. My experience in Lyon really encouraged ownership of my trip to France by giving me a personal perspective on a previously unknown city and by contextualizing my French studies in unique and intimate way."
      ~Norhan Fillo