AP French Language and Culture Units Explained

Key Takeaways

• The AP French Language and Culture course has six units that explore cultural themes.

• The course focuses on language skills and understanding the French culture and society.

• Develop reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills while engaging with authentic French materials.

Introduction: What Is AP French Language and Culture?

Are you thinking of taking AP French Language and Culture? That’s a great choice! This class helps you get better at speaking, reading, writing, and understanding French. You’ll do all of that and more, while also learning about the cultures of French-speaking countries around the world.

At first, the course might sound like it’s a little overwhelming. You might wonder what you’ll actually learn, or if your French is good enough. But once you understand how the course is set up, it all starts to make sense.

The AP French course is built around six big themes. Everything you study connects to them. You’ll explore topics that help you use the language in real-world situations. Discover how people live, think, and communicate in different French-speaking communities.

Overview of the 6 AP French Language and Culture Themes

The AP French Language and Culture (opens in a new tab)course has six units. In each of the units, you’ll explore a different theme. These themes provide context for developing your communication skills. You’ll do this by exploring real French content.

Let's look at each unit and theme in detail.

Unit 1: Families in Different Societies (La famille et la communauté)

The theme in unit 1 looks at the French language in the context of family life. You’ll explore various modern beliefs as well as the challenges French-speaking families face.

Some of the activities you may participate in to build skills include:

• Reading and analyzing promotional content

• Understanding formal letters

• Describing data contained in graphics (charts, tables, maps, infographic, graphs)

• Engaging in informal conversations

• Creating email replies

• Creating and giving a presentation on French family or society

Unit 2: The Influence of Language and Culture on Identity (L'identité personnelle et publique)

Identity can be complex. You’ll explore ideas about identity in French-speaking communities and societies. Your vocabulary will begin to expand, and you’ll learn how language and culture come together to shape ideas about identity.

In unit 2 of AP French, you’ll practice skills like:

• Summarize short stories and find the main idea

• Interpret audio pieces

• Comprehending charts and articles

• Drawing connections between cultural context and texts

• Justify opinions and ideas through writing

• Prepare and present French cultural concepts

Unit 3: Influences of Beauty and Art (La beauté et l'esthétique)

This theme celebrates artistic expression and what different cultures consider beautiful. In this unit, you’ll explore how art and beauty reflect and influence the French culture.

Skills you’ll learn and practice in Unit 3 include:

• Exploring museum websites

• Reading about French art

• Interpreting classic works

• Understanding the format of a letter and interpreting meanings

• Practicing conversational skills

• Constructing proper email responses

• Analyzing tables, graphs, and infographics

• Creating and sharing a presentation of French artwork 

Unit 4: How Science and Technology Affect Our Lives (La science et la technologie)

Science and technology are a big part of modern life. This unit looks at how science and technology affect daily life. Particularly how it affects French-speaking communities.  You’ll use your expanding language skills to interpret new words and read more complicated pieces.

Skills practiced in this unit include:

• Interpreting infographics, charts, and tables in context

• Reading articles on technological advancements

• Studying interviews for understanding

• Being able to follow both written and spoken instructions

• Understanding oral presentations and lectures

• Writing essays, including citing sources

• Give a presentation on how scientific and technological developments impact French society

Unit 5: Factors that Impact the Quality of Life (La vie contemporaine)

This theme covers the practical aspects of everyday life in French-speaking communities. You’ll explore how social status, jobs and resources, and cultural influences can impact quality of life.

Skills practiced in Unit 5 include:

• Connecting cultural topics to literary works

• Interpreting articles and data

• Identifying tone, attitude, and perspective in a conversation

• Interpreting video and audio pieces

• Following instructions (including recipes)

• Writing an email that includes common French expressions and idioms

• Participating in complex conversations

• Giving advice

• Creating and giving a presentation that compares daily life and cultural influences

Unit 6: Environmental, Political, and Societal Challenges (Les défis mondiaux)

The final theme tackles big-picture issues impacting French-speaking communities and the world. Discussions will take a deeper dive as you examine global challenges and develop possible solutions.

In Unit 6, you’ll practice skills like:

• Analyzing infographics, charts, graphs, and articles on environmental change

• Listening to audio reports to find connections and meaning

• Writing essays that discuss global issues and suggest solutions

• Create and give a presentation on global challenges

• Make cultural connections between presentations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many units are in AP French Language and Culture?

The AP French Language and Culture course contains six units. Each one looks at a major theme. The units help you develop reading, writing, speaking, and analyzing French content. You'll also explore cultural connections.

What level of French is needed for this course?

Before taking AP French Language and Culture, you should have at least a level of proficiency. It’s best if you have had 3 or 4 years of high school French. This ensures you have strong grammar and vocabulary skills to build on. 

Is AP French harder than other AP language courses?

Some students find French hard. It focuses on using the language in real-time. The exam will demand you have a strong comprehension of spoken and written French. How difficult AP French is for you depends on your level of understanding and your personal strengths. 

Final Thoughts

AP French Language and Culture is structured around six interconnected themes. Each of them integrate language skills with cultural understanding. From family dynamics to global challenges, each theme provides meaningful contexts to help you develop French proficiency.

The course requires consistent practice across all four language skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. You’ll get the opportunity to watch French films, listen to French podcasts, and read French news articles. Real-world sources bring the themes to life and expose you to the language as native speakers actually use it.

You don’t have to take on AP courses alone! Discover AP study tools from Save My Exams, including past exams, study guides and practice questions. 

References

College Board Course Description (opens in a new tab)

College Board Exam Overview (opens in a new tab)