Carnegie Mellon University

Open & Free

This course includes self-guiding materials and activities, and is ideal for independent learners, or instructors trying out this course package.

OLI does not provide any verification of completion. If you would like to receive credits for completing this course, please make arrangements with your local institution.

Do you need accreditation?

Register for an Academic Course

Are you an Instructor?

Find out how to create an Academic Course.

French

OLI FrenchThe French courses are introductory, interactive video-based courses intended for use by university students and independent learners on the Internet. We currently offer both French I and French II.

French 1

French 2

Each course is divided into five thematic modules, with three lessons within each module.

The French courses are introductory, interactive video-based courses intended for use by university students and independent learners on the Internet. Each course is divided into five thematic modules, with three lessons within each module. Each lesson is designed to take approximately one week to complete so working though an entire course will take the average learner approximately fifteen weeks. Completing both courses will require two semesters or approximately thirty weeks.

Each lesson opens with a video dramatization that sets the context for the lesson. Parts of the video are then replayed in a variety of interactive activities and tutors. Each video in the course was written specifically to serve as the foundation for the lesson in which it is used. These high quality videos were produced with French actors on location in France so the speech and movements and contexts are authentic.

The beginning of each lesson is always a set sequence, from simple recognition of language in a video dialogue, through explicit learning of grammar and pronunciation, to written and spoken production of variations on that language. After this ordered beginning, a number of activities are offered to the student in which the language learned is used in understanding new texts, sounds or videos or in creative production (conversation or writing).

Each of the 15 lessons follows the same structure of activities:

  • Introduction: presentation of communicative and cultural goals for the lesson
  • Communication 1: Recognize sounds and words in a video dialogue.
  • Mots et expressions: Learn to repeat and understand parts of dialogues.
  • Structures: Study the grammatical basis of the spoken dialogues.
  • Sons: Learn the sound system of the language.
  • Communication 2: Learn to understand and produce French.
  • Univers culturel: Study aspects of French and francophone cultures.
  • Activités de synthèse: Use your French in writing and speaking activities.

Available Now

  • Both French I and French II