Course description
This course aims to
• Develop conversational skills and gain a deeper insight into French culture through the study of the film Shoot the Pianist (François Truffaut, director) starring Charles Aznavour and songs by Charles Aznavour.
• Raise students’ awareness to French pronunciation with study of phonology (speech sounds) and spelling
• Study in-depth some grammatical rules
• Discover the world of François Truffaut
• Teach about French films and La Nouvelle Vague
• Approach Charles Aznavour’s songs and life
Who is this course is for?
This lively cultural course is for adults with the equivalent of A level French or more who would like to improve their conversational skills.
What will I be able to do by the end of the course?
• Improve conversational skills, pronunciation and grammar
• Know some of the most famous Charles Aznavour songs and lyrics
• Know about François Truffaut, his life and films
• Understand in detail a chosen scene from the film (a script will be given)
• Discuss the influence of American novels on French films
What materials will I need?
Folder, pen and paper
Film: Shoot the Pianist by François Truffaut
Optional: Best of Charles Aznavour
(Possibility of listening to songs on Youtube and Muriel will provide the lyrics)
Roughly how much will they cost?
Film: Shoot the Pianist - £14.99 (Amazon.co.uk)
Songs: She: the Best of Charles Aznavour - £ 3.79 (Amazon.co.uk)
How will I know I am making progress?
You’ll get 2 written assignments (optional) and one presentation in front of the class (also optional) which will be marked. The tutor will give you regular feedback on your linguistic skills.
Is there any extra study outside the class?
One or two hours is advised but the more the better. The main thing is to attend the class each week.
Who is the tutor?
The tutor, Muriel Jacquinet, is a native French speaker. Muriel has a Postgraduate certificate in Education (PGCE) and is also qualified as a Teacher of a Foreign Language for Adults (TFLA). She has been teaching in Adult Education for the last ten years (Varndean, Porstlade Community, City College Brighton and Hove). She is very passionate about her own culture and happy to share it. www.frenchinbrighton.co.uk
What next?
Studying Le Duc et l’Anglaise by Rohmer, la révolution française, Juliette Gréco at Friends Centre or further courses in French or French Film Club on Saturdays at Friends Centre.
Student Support
At the Friends Centre we are committed to meeting the learning needs of all our students.
We would like to know if you have a disability or impairment such as partially sighted, deaf or hearing impaired, mobility problems or wheelchair user, a mental health difficulty such as depression or anxiety, or a medical condition such as epilepsy or ME. We would also like to know if you are dyslexic, dyscalculic, or dyspraxic. This way we can work with you to make sure you have the support you need while you are studying with us. We also offer classes and support in literacy, maths and IT for anyone who thinks they need some help in those areas. To arrange a confidential interview with our Advice and Guidance Officer, Pat Rosine please call 01273 810210 or email p.rosine@friendscentre.org
Closure of courses
All courses that do not reach minimum numbers will be closed. Before we close a course, providing numbers are reasonable, we discuss with the tutor, and students if the course has started, if there are any ways we could continue. These can include an increased fee, a shorter class time or running for fewer weeks.
Refunds
Refunds are made automatically if the Centre cancels a course. Partial refunds will be made if a course is cancelled before the end of term. Otherwise fees are not refunded, except in very exceptional personal circumstances. Requests for a refund should be made in writing to the Friends Centre. If your attendance is prevented by illness we will be sympathetic but a medical certificate will be required.
Kinsella Hardship Fund
We have a small fund available to help students who have a problem paying fees. Please apply in writing to the Friends Centre, in complete confidence, explaining the reasons for your application. We may be able to offer a reduction of up to half the reduced fee or allow you to pay in instalments over a longer period than usual.
Contact details for this course
Please contact GAE to enrol on this course or for more information.
Contact name
Support Officer Oliver Fisher
Post
Brighton Junction,
Isetta Square,
Brighton,
BN1 4GQ
Telephone
01273 810210

