French House

Beginning in Academic Year 2009-2010, students can live in the French House, a new Living/Learning Community directed by a live-in native (or near-native) speaker of French! Located on campus in one of the University of Alabama's newest residence halls, Ridgrecrest South, students have all the convenience and ammenities of campus housing, coupled with opportunities for language study and out-of-class experiences centered on developing French speaking skills in a relaxed, but stimulating environment. French House Web Site

Who can live in the French House?
The French House is open to any UA student who is interested in French language and culture. The minimum requirements include a French placement test showing proficiency through FR 201 and placement in FR 202 or higher, and enrollment in FR 205 (Fall) and FR 206 (Spring), each earning 2 credits. Students earn up to 4 elective credits counting toward the French major or minor by enrolling in these two courses. However, you can have another major and still live in French House.

What does living in the French House mean?
Participants, guided by a live-in native (or near-native) speaker (the French House Director), agree to dedicate two hours per week to full language immersion with a view to increasing oral proficiency while developing interpersonal skills, encouraging cultural exchange, and fostering intellectual growth. Activities may include any of the following: atttendance at the French Club sponsored Film Series, shared cooking and meals, games, book-of-the-month club, or excursions centered on cultural or linguistic development (to the art museum, to attend guest lectures on campus, to participate in and help coordinate French Club events, such as the Soiree crepes). Student residents will also keep a journal in French. Grading shall be performed by the French House Director, under the supervision of a faculty advisor who will serve as Instructor of Record and who will provide oversight and mentoring to the French House Director, as needed.

How to apply
To apply for the French community, please submit your initial statement of interest. You will also need to take a placement test or provide a transcript indicating placement beyond FR 201. The French placement test may be taken online. You will need the password (tide1) and your CWID (campus-wide ID number) in order to complete and process the test. Please forward your results and address any questions or concerns to Dr. Ann Webb or Ms. Pamela Derrick at the College of Arts & Sciences.

Interested in becoming the French House Director?
Applications are now being accepted for AY 2009-2010. Duties include living in the French House, mentoring student participants, planning and oversight of weekly activities (minimum 2 hours per week), regular communication with the faculty advisor (Dr. Mayer-Robin in AY 2009-2010), and evaluation of students enrolled in FR 205/206. Thanks to a generous grant from The Academy of Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity (CAISS), the French Program is able to offer a substantial housing subsidy to the French House Director in AY 2009-2010 (free lodging in the French House and a 2-semester meal plan through Bama Dining). Please address a statement of interest with credentials and any questions to Dr. Mayer-Robin.