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In the Heart of the Loire Valley (FREN30018)

Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5Online

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Overview

Availability
Winter Term - Online
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This intensive three week subject will focus on one of the most creative times of French history, albeit one of the most turbulent, the Renaissance. With a series of lectures and detailed virtual site visits, this subject will examine some of the most striking examples of French Renaissance architecture, including the famed “Chateaux de la Loire” built during the late 16th century, and learn about arts and history. This course will use an interdisciplinary approach (linguistic, history, art history, botany, gastronomy etc.).

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this subject, students should be able to:

  • Gain an appreciation of academic French through the confident use of sophisticated oral and written French at level B2/C1 of the Common European Framework for Languages in real life situations
  • Build a comprehensive picture of Renaissance France and Europe
  • Gain in-depth understanding of two specialized fields in at least one of the three core areas of Renaissance French literature, art, and cultural studies
  • Additionally gain the capacity to engage in intercultural dialogue taking into consideration the diverse needs of the French Studies academic community
  • Establish deep literary, historical, philosophical, linguistic and cultural connections between the Renaissance Age and contemporary society
  • Proficiently employ learning and research technologies in French and English.

Generic skills

On completion of this subject, students should be able to:

  • Show critical thinking and analysis through required and recommended reading, essay writing and tutorial discussion, and by assessing the strength of an argument
  • Demonstrate research skills through competent use of the library and other information sources
  • Demonstrate understanding of social, ethical and cultural contexts
  • Demonstrate international awareness and openness to the world
  • Show awareness of new aspects of French and European culture
  • Demonstrate skills in public speaking and confidence in self-expression through seminar participation and class presentations.

Last updated: 18 December 2025