This page will be updated as new information is available from Paris Universities. Last updated, 2012.
Each semester the HCJYF offers a small number of courses to HCJYF students which are taught at Reid Hall ; the HCJYF also participates in a consortium of courses in the social sciences with Middlebury and Smith colleges: these are taught at other locations in Paris. These semester classes have limited enrollment and meet two or three times a week. Depending on the size of the group, some of these courses may be offered both semesters or as a sequence.
1) Courses offered at Reid Hall for JYF students only
Advanced Grammar and Composition. Systematic review of grammar and style designed to improve students' written French and to introduce them to the method of textual analysis and essays required by French universities. Training will be provided in the development of vocabulary and argumentation. One or two credits. Fall, Spring. May be taken either or both semesters.
Phonetics and Diction. Theoretical rules of spoken French and phonetic transcriptions as well as individual correction of pronunciation (phonemes, stress and intonation) and auditory training. Enrollment limited to 12. One credit. Fall.
Writing Methodology. Overview of research and analysis methods employed in French university courses. Study of appropriate terminology and of the structure and development of critical arguments. Practice in both oral and written presentation. May be taken as a separate course or as complement to certain university courses (mandatory for some courses). 1/2 credit taken individually; complement for other courses. Fall; offered both semesters if student interest is sufficient.
Tutorials. Students in some classes in the sciences, social sciences, Philosophy and other areas may be required to consult regularly with a tutor in that area, for guidance in the preparation of oral and written work. The director will determine which courses need a tutorial, which ones are mandatory and which are optional.
Introduction to French Literature. Introduction to the language and critical tools of literary analysis and a survey of early or modern French literature. Students write explications de texte and commentaires composés, and make oral presentations. Especially recommended for students with no previous study of literature. May replace 211 or 212 for Hamilton Students. One credit. Fall.
The Arts of Theater. Students attend, read and examine plays for their literary and historical significance, develop a technical vocabulary and work on special projects and a final dossier. Requires readings of theatrical texts and regular attendance at current productions (approximately every two to three weeks). Enrollment limited to 14. Fall, Spring. May be repeated, space permitting, and with permission of instructor.
Modern French Art of the 19th and 20th Centuries. A survey of the major movements in French painting of the 19th and 20th centuries. Class lectures and discussions alternate with visits to Paris museums (Orsay, Orangerie, Louvre, etc.) One credit. Fall.
Special Topic in Literary and Cultural Studies. The HCJYF normally offers a one-semester special topics course with a guest professor. One credit. The title will be announced before departure or early fall. Spring.
2) Consortium Classes offered to HCJYF, Middlebury and Smith students.
Contemporary Francophone Africa. Close examination of the colonization process and the political results of decolonization in Africa. One credit. Fall or Spring.
France — Europe: 1945 to the Present. Thematic and chronological study of the complex relationship between France and Europe in light of current political debates on the construction of Europe. One credit. Fall or Spring.
French Feminism. Survey of French feminist movements as related to social and political evolution. Fall or Spring.
This section describes the Paris schools where JYF students can take classes and the area of studies of each school See Classes taken in the past for titles.
The Université de Paris III (Sorbonne Nouvelle, Censier): One of the branches of the Université de Paris, Paris III specializes in the humanities (French and comparative literatures, languages, classics); European studies; communication (cinema, theater and linguistics). Open to all students. Students majoring in English at their home institution may take one or two courses taught in English in the English and American studies program. Hamilton organizes special tutoring sessions for some Paris III courses.
The Université de Paris VI (Pierre et Marie Curie, Jussieu): One of the branches of the Université de Paris, Paris IV specializes in the natural sciences (biology, chemistry, physics, geology) and mathematics. Open to students with solid college-level preparation in these areas and the ability to work independently.
The Institut d'Études Politiques (IEP or Sciences Po): Courses at the Institut d'Études Politiques are among the most academically challenging and rewarding courses offered by Hamilton's program in France. They therefore require careful planning, serious commitment as well as a separate application. Students must fill out a special application to IEP once they are accepted for the HCJYF.
A full description of the core offerings fro 2009-10 and electives can be found at the IEP's website; go to "Programmes" then "Premier cycle". More information and an updated list of courses will be included in their acceptance letter to Hamilton's program.
The Institut Catholique (La catho): A full-fledged private university with various specialized divisions (Facultés). Course offerings include literature, history, philosophy, social sciences, and religious studies. Open to all students.
Institut de Langues et Cultures Française de l'Institut Catholique (ILCF): Offers several courses that trace the history and aesthetics of French and European cinema. Open to all students.
Ecole des Psychothérapeutes Praticiens de l'Institut Catholique: This institution offers several courses in Applied Psychology, mostly in child psychology and education. Open to majors with college level preparation in this area and the ability to work independently.
École du Louvre: Offers specialized courses in Art History all most regions in the world and most epochs. Students will be geared toward courses that are most appropriate in format and content. Those classes are usually accompanied by a tutorial; exam may be taken through the JYF or at the École du Louvre. Open to majors in this area who can work independently.
Private language institutes (Institut Goethe; Instituto Cervantes; Centro Italiano, Institut du Monde Arabe) for students who need to continue the study of a different language. Note that the HCJYF does not recommend starting a new foreign language while in France.
Paris Conservatory and Scola Cantorum for music theory and instruments.
Note: students who have continuously received college credit for music instruction may receive partial credit for lessons in Paris. Payment for private music instruction is the responsibility of the student, as it is at Hamilton.
Studios and centers for the arts (photography; painting; drawing; ceramics; dance; acting) for students with prior college-level work in these areas. Students are responsible for buying all their material, and may incur a small lab fee. Institut de la Croix Nivert, Spéos (photography), Ecole de Danse du Marais, Cours Florent (acting for students with solid preparation.)
Faculté Libre d'Économie (FACO): Offers courses in economics and law. Only open to students with college-level preparation in these areas.
Tutorials: As the teaching methods in France vary greatly from those of the United States, selected courses may include required additional reading and writing sessions.
