Taught by committed local experts and tenured professors from the Université de Provence, courses focus upon French language and literature, political science and contemporary issues, cinema, art history, studio art, and European civilization. On-site course work is supplemented by optional direct enrollment for one or more classes at the Université de Provence or Institut d’Etudes Politiques.

All AUCP courses are given in French. This authentic French classroom experience is made accessible to non-native speakers by integrating French-as-a-second language methodology within each professor’s subject matter expertise. Nonetheless, students are assumed to have an “advanced” level in French (minimum of two years college French, or equivalent) and sign a language pledge to speak only French during their stay at the AUCP.

The small average class size of AUCP courses makes for close personal interaction and guidance. Courses demand considerable outside work and follow-up. Regular attendance is required. While mid-semester vacations allow for sensible traveling, the focus is upon serious academic work and in-depth involvement in the local community.

While all AUCP course work is related intimately to each student’s personal cross-cultural experience, the mandatory course French Practicum provides an essential link between academic work and direct French cultural experience.