University Certificate - Literature (Sorbonne Paris Nord University)
Period
Annual / Winter
Duration
Annual
Required levels
B2
VISA
Oui
The University Certificate in Literature, available as part of the Courses in French Civilization at the Sorbonne, offers a rich and diversified academic experience, immersing students in the heart of French language, culture, and literature.
The program is structured around several key areas. Firstly, language and culture courses allow participants to enhance their French proficiency while exploring various aspects of French civilization. Applied linguistics, on the other hand, provides a deeper understanding of the structure and evolution of the French language.
Academic methodology is also a cornerstone of the certificate, equipping students with the necessary skills to analyze and interpret complex literary texts. Courses on Greco-Roman myths, arts, and literature broaden learners’ perspectives, immersing them in a rich and varied cultural world.
The specialized component in Literature covers the study of a comprehensive range of literary genres, from theatrical works to poems, novels, short stories, and tales. The exploration of literary history, divided between the 16th-18th centuries and the 19th-20th centuries, offers a comprehensive chronology of artistic and cultural developments.
Finally, French civilization lectures – which are an essential aspect of the linguistic offerings of the CCFS – complement the program, providing a comprehensive perspective on French society. The university certificate in literature creates a gateway to direct integration into the second year of a bachelor’s degree in literature, thus providing students with a solid foundation to continue their studies in the literary field.
Course objectives
This year-long program, with small class sizes, prepares students for the university certificate (equivalent to the first year of a Bachelor’s degree), which provides direct access to the second year of the Bachelor’s degree at Sorbonne University Paris Nord (Paris 13).
Detailed program
This annual program consists of 2 semesters, each lasting 12 weeks, with 20 hours per week, from October to May. All classes are held at the Sorbonne French Civilization Courses in the 7th arrondissement of Paris. The university certificate in Literature is equivalent to the first year of a Bachelor’s degree. It totals 534 hours of classes and support + tutoring. It consists of:
– 144 French language and culture course hours
– 96 hours of applied linguistics
– 60 hours of university methodology
– 48 hours of courses on the Humanities (Greco-Roman myths, arts and literature)
– 126 hours of specialized teaching in Literature (textual studies: narrative analysis, theater, short stories, tales, novels, poetry (84h). Literary history: 16th-18th centuries; 19th-20th centuries (42h))
– 60 hours of lectures on French civilization
Detailed information on French civilization lectures can be found here.
Examinations are held in January, at the end of each semester.
Highlights
This program allows students to spend their first academic year in an exceptional setting: a small and international teaching team, cross-disciplinary teaching, and personalized support.
The pedagogical strength of this program lies in its combination of French language, applied linguistics, civilization and methodology courses with specialized literature instruction. Students benefit from personalized support which subsequently facilitates their integration into the French University system under the best conditions.
Validation of acquired knowledge
Continuous assessment in language classes (regular evaluation of work and progress) and a final examination validating the university certificate.
A university certificate is issued at the end of the program upon successful completion.
Target audience
The University Certificate in Literature is aimed at international students who still need to improve their French and wish to integrate into the second year of the Bachelor’s degree in Literature at Sorbonne University Paris Nord.
Prerequisites
A B2 level of French proficiency is required for enrollment in this program.
Applicants must be at least 18 years old, hold a diploma or certificate of completion of secondary education, and comply with residency requirements (nationality, visa, residence permit, etc.).
Course material
Textbooks and/or authentic materials (audio, visual, and written) provided by the instructor.
Workbook and exercises created by the instructor.
Visa
This course also meets the criteria for obtaining a student visa for non-European Union students.
Application requirements
– Admission to the university certificate program is based on application (CV and letter of motivation).
– Enrollment in the course is confirmed only when payment is complete (at least one month before the start of classes) and after validation of the registration dossier.
– An enrollment certificate is issued after payment of a deposit and submission of administrative documents (copy of ID, translation of secondary school diploma, passport photo).
– Mandatory online placement test assigns a level to students before the start of classes. Additional testing may be required in specific cases.
– Registration is done online or directly at the admissions office of the institution by paying a 30% deposit of the course fee.
– Annual administrative fees of 75 euros are applied upon registration.
For more information on this program and registration procedures, students can contact the educational director directly via email:
emeline.seignobos@ccfs-sorbonne.fr
