A course on modern France designed for presentation in English at the college level uses four books to approach an understanding of the country through autobiography, philosophy, sociology, and history. Students with reading ability in French are assigned readings from French-language periodicals and others read from English-language periodicals. Each student is assigned a francophone country to study and report on periodically during the course, focusing on current events as well as history and culture. Most of the class hours are spent in student-led discussion. The teacher's role is that of an informed monitor who adds or corrects information and introduces new topics. At the course mid-point, an anonymous evaluation is taken of both the work and the procedures, and students have an opportunity to identify any topics of interest not yet covered. Experience with the course has shown that student interest and confidence grow in this format, and it has the potential for adaptation for other educational levels and for presentation entirely in French in a second language program. (MSE)