ESA
European Studies Association
2025 Applications are Closed - 2026 Opens in November
Three Study Options
French Language- All Levels
or
Contemporary French Humanities
Want to learn French? We have two options for your language study with our academic partners.
Interested in art, philosophy and cinema? Take the Humanities class focused on post-WWII France through Los Medanos College.
The Humanities option is currently full, but a wait-list is available.
By Benh LIEU SONG - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=10190129
.jpg)
Survival French
An ESA faculty-led introductory French program designed for beginners to intermediates.
Focus on using the language to explore the city, as well as to understand French culture. On some days there may be visits to other sites. Academic credit available through East Los Angeles College (ELAC) or Los Angeles Valley College (LAVC)
Institut Catholique
A university-level course designed for intermediate to advanced students. ($850 supplemental fee)
ESA works closely with the Institut Catholique de Paris, a private French university of international reputation, to provide you with the very best language instruction available in Paris. Small classes, excellent teachers, up-to-date materials, a pleasant 5-10 minute walk from our residences make learning French fun. Academic credit may be available through ELAC or LAVC.
By Petr Adam Dohnálek - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0 cz, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=10837012
Paris & Contemporary Humanities
2025 Course offered by Los Medanos College
Paris Rises from the Ashes ...
Although retreating German soldiers refused to obey Hitler's command to destroy Paris, much of the country lay in ruins. From their humiliating occupation to their rebirth as modern nation, France transformed dramatically from the end of the war through the 1960s, reclaiming their position as leader in art and ideas. This class explores 20th century France and its enduring impact on contemporary culture by focusing on its cinema, especially the rise of new wave films by leading directors such as François Truffaut and Agnès Varda. You’ll also learn about France’s role in the decolonization movement and student-led protests as Parisians struggled with their new identity.
Don’t miss this riveting course which will be organized thematically around French emotions, such as the national motto "Liberté, égalité, fraternité"; modern sentiments like ennui and malaise; colonial emotions like voyeurism and fetishism in the struggle for African decolonization; and of course, what Paris is renowned for: love.
Humanities is currently full for July 2025, but a wait list is available.