A Shiny Brand New Semester

Boy didn't summer go by quick?!  But no matter how fast it went for you all I hope you at least enjoyed yourself a bit doing something fun.  Sadly now it's time to put away the sun tan lotion and swimsuits and get back to the grinding stone.

School can be be tough, but school can also be a lot of fun.  Here in the BYU French Department we want to make sure that you have fun with French in all of its facets on and off campus.  There are lots of programs and activities sponsored by the French Department and other departments that will help you have a great experience with French this semester.  Some of these events things are:

•  French films shown by the International Cinema

•  Workshops put on by the College of Humanities

•  French themed activities put on by Le Club (BYU's French Club)

•  Study abroad programs (there is one coming up next year!)

•  And more (we'll post them as they show up)

For the new freshmen, enjoy French 101 (most of your teachers are students too).  For the seasoned French students, try something new this semester to keep French exciting for you.  And lastly for all of you about to graduate, get to know your professors (you never know when you might need a good reference).

Check this blog often (and our facebook page); we'll be posting previews for activities, events, workshops, etc. as they come up.  Also we'll post a general calendar for everyone so you can start keeping track of the events that you want to attend this semester.

To all: Bonne Chance!  Enjoy yourselves!

French Club Activity Tomorrow--La Tour de France

Le Tour de France

The French Club is livening things up this year, developing an entirely new activity never before seen on BYU's campus. In celebration of this year's Tour de France, the French club is hosting a series of events tomorrow on campus that will familiarize one with, and celebrate the annual French tradition.

The festivities will get started with a breif overview of the history of the event given by BYU's own cyclist in residence, and chair of the French Department, Dr. Corry Cropper (also my boss). He has promised that this presentation will be informative, uplifting, entertaining and unforgettable. Detailing the opium-drugging practices of the 1800s involved in the race and filling in the details since then, until now, all in less than 15 minutes, this is one presentation you won't want to miss.

Following the presentation, their will be team competitions in design. Each team will be responsible for creating the blueprints for a racing jersey and helmet (I hope those terms are correct, seeing as how Dr. Cropper will be reading this). The prizes for the winning team are sure to be FANTASTIC, after all, posters don't lie.

The main event will then take place with an Amazing-Race-like scavenger/treasure hunt that will take place all over the BYU campus. A sort-of Tour de Provo, if you will. Honestly, this is the part I am most excited about. I have a fascination for treasure hunts and I am really eager to see what our friends in the French Club Presidency are able to come up with. If you can't make it, I'll let you know how it goes, but the truth is, we are really hoping to see you there.

Much Love,
Pete

French Club announces activity schedule-throngs mark their calendars

Dear readers,
The French club is up and running as you know, and if you didn't you probably aren't a reader, and I felt it would be appropriate to give you a taste of what you have to look forward to for this coming year. The first activity has come and gone, which was the annual French comedy movie night, but you can still pay your dues at the French office and join us for the next 7 activites. They will be:

Tour de France:
10.14.09--5pm-8pm (B002 JFSB)

Star Académie:
11.11.09--7pm-10pm (Varsity Theatre)

Fête de Noël:
12.2.09--7pm-10pm (WSC 3224) This event includes a Christmas Cooking Contest

Soirée Poésie:
1.?.10--TBA

La Chandeleur (Crêpe fête):
2.3.10--7pm-10pm (WSC 3224)

Foire Francophone:
3.17.10--7pm-10pm (WSC Garden Court)

Soirée Fromage:
3.31.10-- 7pm-10pm (3220-3224 WSC)



There it is. We of course will give you more information about each one as the dates get closer, but until then, just mark it on your calendar because these are things you are not going to want to miss out on.



Much Love,
Pete

Cheese Night: A success again!

Just like it has been in the past, Cheese Night was a great success this year. We had tons of people show up to sample some of the finest imported French Cheese. Thanks to everyone who came and supported the French Club!




We also handed out the second and third buttons in the BYUFS button series featuring Charles de Gaulle and Marie Antoinette. Hopefully you were able to get your hands on one, because they went fast. If you didn't there may be a chance you'll find one in the department office (3134 JFSB) or you can wait and grab one of the fourth buttons which will be released soon.

Upcoming French Studies Events - You don't want to miss these!

We've got a few really exciting activities coming up for the program in the near future. Make sure to mark your calendars so that you don't miss out!

French Club Cheese Night
Thursday, March 13th
6:30p.m. - 9:00p.m.
WILK Terrace (by the Cougareat)
Free admission for French Club members
$4 for guest
Tip: get there early



Lecture from Pierre Vimont, the Ambassador to the United States for France
French-American Relations in Today's World
Monday, March 24th
3:00p.m.
Hinckley Alumni and Visitor's Center Assembly Hall

French Studies Newsletter

Some of you may already know that the French Studies program puts out a monthly newsletter. This newsletter includes a ton of information and news about the program, its students, and the faculty. Its a great resource if you want to know a little more about what's going on and how you can make the best of your time in French Studies.

Here is a link to this month's issue.

French Studies Calendar Update

We've just updated the French Studies Calendar. If your wondering where you can find your next cultural activity or if you're just wanting to take advantage of all the great things the French Studies program has to offer take a look at the calendar and see what great activities are coming up this semester.

Check the calendar here. You can always find this link in the "Links" section of the blog's left-hand sidebar.

French Idol Tryouts

French Idol tryouts are this week! Each group (or individual student) only
needs to have one thing to perform for up to three minutes (a song, dance,
skit, etc) and it can be done in English for the tryouts. A CD player and
piano will be in the rooms to use. You'll have two weeks after the tryouts
to prepare the real thing for the actual activity if you are chosen. The
French Idol winners will receive prizes and the French class that furnishes
the first place winner will be awarded a pizza party. Please sign up at
the French and Italian office on the third floor of the JFSB for one of the
following times:

TRYOUTS
· Tuesday, Nov. 13 from 2-4 pm in 3215 WILK
· Wednesday, Nov. 14 from 9-11 am in 3238 WILK
· Thursday, Nov. 15 from 11-1 in 3215 WILK


THANKS!

The French club presidency

So Many Activities

Looking for a cultural activity for your French course credit, or just looking for some extra French culture in your life? Check out the French Studies Calendar. There you will find a list of all scheduled French Studies activities including symposiums, club activities, and international cinema showings of French films.

To get to the French Studies Calendar simply click the "French Studies Calendar" link in the blog sidebar.

And remember to check this blog regularly for other activities!

Cheese Night! Save the Date!

• French Club Cheese Night
• Wednesday Jan. 31st
  
• 7pm Wilk Terrace

Make sure to mark your calenders for the French Club's Annual Cheese Night. They've really gone all out this year and bought more cheese than they ever have before. Tell your friends and spread the word.

More info coming soon!