| French Studies

The Ardeo French Studies Program offers you the unique opportunity to immerse yourself in French language, literature and history studies while living on the estate of an historic château alongside a professional theatre company. The sixteen-credit program includes courses focusing on oral skills, literary translation, French drama and French cultural movements, with an emphasis upon the active development of translation skills. Coursework is complemented by cultural activities including field trips to landmarks locally and in Paris, opportunities to collaborate with students in the Ensemble Training Program and an ongoing relationship with a host family from the local community. The historic Château de St. Julien, home to students and the Ardeo Theatre Company, is approximately two hours from Paris by train. The distinctive combination of rural life, intensive study and community activity will give you a unique perspective on French culture.

(Duncan Berry) (Dan Morris) Weekly field trips highlight the history and culture of France.

The French Studies curriculum is ideal for students willing to take an active and participatory role in their education. Whether working in small groups in a conference setting, collaborating with members of the Ardeo Theatre Company, or pursuing specialized expertise through independent research, you will be expected to cultivate the critical skills necessary to communicate your personal scholarship and vision.

Course Descriptions

Language in Action (4 credits French)
This French language course focuses on active learning and the integration of games, role-play and other theatrical methods to help you develop practical oral language skills, idiomatic expression, and the art of conversation. Emphasis is placed on acquiring the four language skills--listening, speaking, reading and writing--within a cultural context, in order to achieve proficiency in communication.

French Dramatic Literature (4 credits French - optional Theatre credit)
Taken in joint session with students of the Ensemble Training Program, this course surveys French dramatic literature and performance theory exploring movements and literary figures within their contemporary political, economic, religious and social contexts. A major movement or time period may also be selected for a semester of focused study. This is a reading intensive course.

Cultural Movements (4 credits French )
This course divides French artistic movements into chronological blocks, such as Classicism or The Enlightenment, that are selected individually for a semester of focused study. You will examine dramatic literature, novels, short stories and poems and in relation to other arts of the period. This is a reading intensive course.

French Translation in Practice (4 credits French)
This class teaches practical aspects of the translation of dramatic texts from French to English through the examination of one major French author. In addition to regular faculty, the teaching of this course is supplemented by performing members of the Ardeo Theatre Company, who assist you in presenting readings of your original translations.

Please note that course offerings are subject to change.

Program Highlights

Field Trips
The château is located in the beautiful and historically rich region of La Vienne. Once a week, you will visit places and institutions of significance to French history, art and culture. Whether you are exploring the rustic villages, farms, churches, and abbeys in our area, the historic city of Poitiers, the majestic castles and vineyards of the Loire Valley, the towers and beaches of La Rochelle, or the avant-garde theatre scene in Paris, our weekly trips will enrich your experience of being in France. In addition, one international excursion will be planned. Field trips and excursions are taken in joint session with the students of the Ensemble Theatre Training program.

Host Family
As a French Studies student, you will be put in contact with a family from the local community. Regular visits with the family may include meals, travel, or community-building projects. Host families give you an opportunity to further develop your language skills while gaining a deeper understanding of local culture.

Le Quartier Français
A limited number of students have the option each semester to reside in Le Quartier Français, an area of student housing where only French is spoken. This on-campus area also hosts special events for the Ardeo community. If you are interested in residing in Le Quartier Français you may indicate your preference in the program application.

Cabarets
On Friday nights throughout the semester, we open up the stage for live performance: poetry, music, readings, original writing, solo and ensemble work, or performance pieces in progress. This is an opportunity for you to collaborate with other students in the French Studies or Ensemble Theatre Training programs, or members of the professional company. These optional, informal evenings are open to the entire château community.

A Typical Day
(This is an example of daily schedules for the fall and spring programs. Exact schedules are subject to change.)

Admission Requirements
Applicants must have completed at least 3 semesters at an accredited college or junior college or the equivalent; GPA under 2.5 or less than 3 semesters of college require special permission for program acceptance. Prior coursework or experience in French required, including a reading ability at second year university level. No prior theatre experience is necessary. Applicant interviews will be conducted by phone.

For more information about Ardeo education programs, please send email to Assistant Education Director Jodi Beckwith at jodi@ardeo.org or call us toll free at (877) 486-6604.

Westminster College processes Ardeo student applications on a rolling admissions basis. Enrollment at Ardeo is limited. Qualifying students will be notified of acceptance when their completed application has been approved. Ardeo accepts applications for each of the four upcoming terms. You may apply online, or mail a completed application to: Ardeo Theatre Project, P.O. Box 23355, Seattle, Washington, 98102-0655.

Château de St. Julien 2 rue du Château 86800 St. Julien l'Ars, France 33(0) 5-49-01-05-76 (Ph) 33(0) 5-49-01-99-14 (Fx)
PO Box 23355 Seattle, WA 98102-0655 (Toll Free) 877-486-6604 206-720-6029 (Fx)
ardeo@ardeo.org