A pioneering French textbook for learning about global health throughout the Francophone world
La santé globale bridges from advanced French language learning to the pressing issue of global health, allowing learners to connect with topics and to develop practical skills that matter outside the classroom. Erickson and McCoy's approach uses the principles of communicative language teaching and Languages for Specific Purposes to create a dynamic learning experience that does not require any prior understanding of world health. The task-based language learning approach presents real-world situations and problems students may encounter.
Each chapter addresses an engaging topic—such as personal health, working with nongovernmental organizations, mental health, climate change's impact on health, and health care access—that enhances students' French language skills while offering practical knowledge about global health effects across the Francophone world. Through authentic documents from diverse spaces that demonstrate the inclusivity and variety of the French-speaking world, learners will find themselves immersed in topics that are relevant and also have an impact on today's globalized world.
This textbook is ideal for advanced French students seeking to apply their language skills beyond the classroom, and it provides a fresh and engaging way to develop advanced proficiency while exploring important global issues with real-life applications.
Reviews
"La Santé globale is an extraordinary resource for students aspiring to work in health and humanitarian fields in the francophone world. With its expertly designed curriculum, rich authentic materials, and compelling interdisciplinary case studies, this multimodal text empowers students to engage confidently in professional and intercultural contexts. For instructors, it removes the daunting task of curating specialized content, offering a seamless, thoughtfully structured approach to language learning in global health. A must-have for anyone passionate about applying French in real-world health settings!"—Deb Reisinger, PhD, Professor of the Practice in Romance Studies and affiliate faculty in the Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University
"La Santé globale is a groundbreaking resource that seamlessly integrates task-based learning with real-world health and humanitarian contexts. With its rich authentic materials and interdisciplinary approach, this textbook is an essential tool for students and educators seeking to navigate global health issues in the Francophone world with cultural and linguistic fluency."—Lionel Cuillé, PhD, Teaching Professor at WashU, Director of the centre d'examens Diplôme Français Professionnel (DFP) Santé
"La santé globale is an extraordinary interactive and highly stimulating textbook that prepares learners of French to address health issues in the French-speaking world. Much more than a language manual, it aligns with current generations' interests in humanitarian topics."—Alain-Philippe Durand, Dorrance Dean of the College of Humanities, professor of French, University of Arizona
"A very important and needed book to help teachers prepare students to use their French in public health positions. I found the mix of activities very engaging. The book focuses not only on interpersonal health-related conversations but also on larger public health issues that illustrate what is at stake in our contemporary societies."—Claire Tourmen, Claire Tourmen, lecturer and researcher in education, UC Berkeley French Department, and director, Berkeley Center of Excellence in French and Francophone Studies
"With the use of exceptional materials, the authors address contemporary topics such as mental health and preventive medical measures. The students learn French thanks to engaging activities, including learning about medical professions and providing advice to patients. This approach fosters awareness of the importance of maintaining good health and empowers students to propose solutions to the challenges discussed."—Ana Valero Peña, lecturer in French, Purdue University
About the Author
Lars Erickson is professor of French at the University of Rhode Island, where he directs the French International Engineering Program. He is the author of French for Engineering.
Heather McCoy is teaching professor of French at Pennsylvania State University, where she directs the Basic Language Program. She is the author of the popular Parlons affaires! Initiation au français économique et commercial.
