This week I finally got to start my classes!
Monday we had an orientation in the morning (presentation of the library, introduction of the professors, description of available courses), and from there we are free to choose courses and attend them this week to see if we like them. That afternoon I attended écriture créative (creative writing), which was very enjoyable even though it runs a little long- 3 hours. It is taught by two men: the kind professor who interviewed me during the placement tests, and an actual writer, an older gentleman born in Algeria and continually perfecting his craft in French. The writer is quite the talker, to be honest! He expounded on the merits of creative writing for over an hour, using metaphors like "mixing a soup" and "following little stones in the forest" to illustrate the process of writing. Very entertaining, if a bit over the top.
Tuesday I had the two required courses: writing and speaking. The class is small- only a dozen or so students, and six of them are from the U of Nebraska, with myself and two others from different states the US as well! So not a very international mix, but a nice group of people all the same. The professors are very exacting, but not too harsh or mean.
Wednesday I had the two required courses again (Tues and Wed from 8-11am) as well as Modern French Literature. It is the same prof as the creative writing class, so I am glad he seems to be a good one! We are starting off by reading L'Etranger (The Stranger) by Camus. Looking forward to reading and learning a lot!
Today I don't have class until 3pm, Francophone Literature (literature of former French colonies, often focuses on those in Africa). Tomorrow I am going to try out two classes which prepare you to take a national exam at the end of the semester to certify the level you have achieved in French.
I am already looking forward to the weekend! Friday night at an Irish pub in the center of town there is a live performance of Irish folk music, as well as a tribute to Neil Young and Bob Dylan. Could it get any better?! I don't have plans for Saturday yet but on Sunday Christine and I are going to the Percée du Vin Jaune (Piercing of the Yellow Wine) festival in a nearby little village. This region is famous for yellow wine, and the yearly festival draws over 50,000 people. There was even an article about it in the travel section of the New York Times. Check it out at: http://travel.nytimes.com/2008/01/20/travel/20journeys.html?8td&emc=tda1
I'm also trying to plan a trip to Italy with my friend Kate during our upcoming week of vacation in February, but the date is fast approaching and we haven't put much together yet. Hopefully it will all come together soon! For now I'd better do some research while I have the time.
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3 comments:
What a full week you are having!!!Of course the weekend sounds like great fun. I read the NY Times article about the Piercing of the Yellow Grape and enjoyed that too. Thank you for the reference. What is the profession of your host family? Have you decided on where you will live next? Keep the news and good times rolling. Love and hugs, dw
Amanda, I have not read your blog for a week. So busy! Just 2 comments: 1. thank you for the beautiful post card. looks just like CF, eh? 2. re your trip to hear among other things a Bob Dylan tribute: back in pre-historic times when i went to school in France for 6 weeks, Dylan tribute artists existed too. in fact, i brought such an album (before cds were invented)back from France with me. I think the singer's name was Hugh Aufray. do you suppose Bob appreciates his French fans? probably not... have a great time.
Hi Amanda, Wow I don't visit your blog for a week and whew you are having a whirl wind of a time. What a great treat it is to have you share your adventure with us. I really can almost see you there getting those kisses and eating the food and the "very nice wine". I won't stay away so long next time...though it has been a few days since you wrote last. Do you have to find an internet cafe or do you have access at your host home? I imagine you will have access at school though. I just saw a great Obama video, with music if you'd like to see it so to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjXyqcx-mYY&3. He is doing good man! Mica
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