French civilization lectures (C15)
Period
All
Duration
Quarterly
Required levels
A2 to C1
VISA
No
The lectures of the French Civilization Courses at the Sorbonne offer a unique immersion in the heart of French culture, addressing various themes in a thorough and enriching manner.
Designed for international students and those passionate about general culture, these lectures offer a complete overview of France. They explore different facets of French culture.
The lectures are organized as follows:
- A cycle of 10 lectures of 1.5 hours each.
- One lecture per week.
- An optional exam (the 11th week) giving access to the “French Civilization” mention.
Program Information:
The French Civilization lectures are offered in different formats.
They are an integral part of most of the courses offered at the CCFS but can also be followed as a module in its own right (module C15, cycle of 15 hours).
Validation of Learning Outcomes
An optional exam is offered at the end of each lecture cycle (the 11th week) giving access to the “French Civilization” mention in case of success.
Registration Procedures
Conference: Let's Discover the Middle Ages!
Ouverte dès le niveau A2
Exclusivement en visioconférence
Conférencière : Valérie Guyen Croquez
The Middle Ages are often misunderstood and underappreciated. I invite you to explore this period with me: we’ll begin by debunking persistent misconceptions. Then, we’ll take a chronological approach to uncover how diverse the Middle Ages were, spanning from the 5th to the 15th century. Finally, the last sessions will adopt a thematic focus, delving into medieval bestiaries and the sensitivities of that era.
From the first Franks with Clovis, through Charlemagne, to Joan of Arc: everything you’ve ever wanted to know about the Middle Ages but never dared to ask!
Conference: French Habits and Traditions
Ouverte dès le niveau A2
Conférencière : Céline Dally
This series of lectures offers non-French-speaking students an in-depth exploration of French geography, history, and traditions, extending far beyond Paris and the usual tourist destinations. These lectures provide a comprehensive overview of France’s landscapes and ways of life, allowing participants to enrich their general knowledge and gain a deeper understanding of the social environment in which they live.
Conference: History of the French Language
Ouverte dès le niveau A2/B1
Conférencière : Catherine Abela
Here too, we will follow the thread of history to uncover the mysteries behind the birth of a language—the French language—starting from its origins.
This will help you better tolerate the challenges you face daily in learning French.
Although this lecture is primarily designed for advanced levels, I welcome students starting from level B1.
Conference: History of Fashion
Ouverte dès le niveau A2
Conférencière : Catherine Abela
We will follow the thread of history to trace the evolution of clothing styles through the centuries up to the present day.
You’ll come to realize that dressing is not merely a matter of taste or fashion, but that clothing often reflects the society we live in—with all its eccentricities and constraints.
Conference: History of Art from the Middle Ages to the 16th Century
Ouverte dès le niveau A2
Exclusivement en visioconférence
Conférencier : Philippe Pantet
Contenu disponible prochainement.
Conference: History of Art from the 17th and 18th Centuries
Ouverte dès le niveau A2
Exclusivement en visioconférence
Conférencier : Philippe Pantet
Contenu disponible prochainement.
Conference: Francophone Comics
Ouverte dès le niveau A2
Exclusivement en visioconférence
Conférencière : Valérie Guyen Croquez
Asterix, Obelix, Tintin, Snowy, the Smurfs, and more… How did comics, initially dismissed at their inception, rise to become the 9th art? How has Francophone comics resisted American and Japanese influences?
Comics are a mirror of social and political changes. That’s why we offer you a journey through the history of comics, from their origins to the present day, with both a chronological and thematic approach (the role of women, the hero and anti-hero, the symbolism of animals).
Conference: The Little and Big History of French Gastronomy
Ouverte dès le niveau A2/B1
Conférencière : Ynès Grijem Mejri
The lecture series “The Little and Big History of French Gastronomy” invites you on a culinary journey through time and flavors. From medieval origins to contemporary challenges, we will explore the evolution of this emblematic art of living. On the menu: historical roots, the table of the Sun King, the richness of regional cuisines, the alliance of chefs and diplomats, the magic of wines, and the ingenuity of pastry chefs.
We will conclude with a reflection on current issues, balancing tradition and innovation, as French gastronomy looks boldly to the future. A flavorful journey to understand how France has shaped its culinary heritage and how it plans to preserve and reinvent it.
Conference: The Palace of Versailles
Ouverte dès le niveau A2
Conférencier : Louis-Jean Fesquet
What a paradox! The modest structure of King Louis XIII on the hill of Versailles has given way to one of the most admired and visited monuments in the world! Another paradox: Versailles served as a royal residence for a shorter time than it has been a palace of the French Republic. The habitual residence of the French court between 1682 and 1789, the Palace of Versailles nearly disappeared, became a museum, and later became associated with pivotal moments in national history.
From 1623 to today, from royal hunts to the 2024 Olympic Games, let’s retrace the history of this iconic symbol of French civilization!
Conference: French Literature and Language
Ouverte dès le niveau A2/B1
Conférencière : Marie-Pierre Sales
Why do we sometimes describe a meal as “gargantuan”? What does this expression mean, and where does it come from? Why is the prestigious book collection La Pléiade named as such?
I’d like to explore these questions with you during my lecture “French Literature and Language”, to show how literature influences language and, more broadly, our daily lives. It remains alive through references that French people understand and use. This lecture is primarily aimed at advanced students, but even those at an A2 level are welcome to attend.
Conference: Overview of French Theater
Ouverte dès le niveau A2
Exclusivement en visioconférence
Conférencière : Valérie Guyen Croquez
Molière, Beckett, and Others
This series offers an overview of French theater from Molière to the present day.
The presentation will follow a chronological approach, exploring the different literary movements that have graced the stage through excerpts and video clips of performances, with occasional short practical exercises.
Topics will also include the role of playwrights in society, from patronage to seeking a popular audience; the status of actors, from excommunication to becoming stars; and the material conditions of theatrical performances.
Conference: Animal Paris
Ouverte dès le niveau A2
Conférencière : Véronique Gruau
Paris Animal
This lecture series aims to tell the story of Paris in a way that goes beyond the traditional tourist guide, sparking curiosity among students during their walks. It connects tangible elements—such as monuments, statues, façade ornaments, and street names—with historical, literary, or artistic insights.
The theme of animals serves as the thread for this unique approach, chosen for its enjoyment and as a way to delve into topics that truly inspire. For example, we will uncover why a sculpture of a she-wolf in the 6th arrondissement tells the story of France, why we sing about Paris being a snail, who the famous petits rats of the Opéra are, and explore literature by admiring a statue of a raven and a fox in the Ranelagh Garden in the 16th arrondissement. We will also follow a cat and a rabbit into the cabarets of Montmartre during the Belle Époque… and make many more discoveries.
Participating in this series will allow students to complement their French language studies with a broader cultural understanding of the city where they are staying.
This series is open to students of all levels; I speak slowly, and my PowerPoint includes vocabulary slides.
Conference: Feminist Paris
Ouverte dès le niveau A2
Conférencière : Marie Lecoq
Although they currently make up 53% of Paris’s population, women often remain underrepresented in both the ancient and modern history of the city. During their studies in French language and civilization, students are often introduced to the great men of French and Parisian history, but women are seldom given much space. When they are mentioned, it is often as the “wife of,” “daughter of,” “mother of,” or as a seductress.
The goal of this lecture series is to place women at the center of Parisian history, not as passive spectators or mere objects of history, but as active participants and architects of their destinies. To achieve this, we will delve into Paris’s past and highlight the lives of women, both famous and unknown, who have left their mark on the city.
Conference: Navigating the History of France
Ouverte dès le niveau A2
Exclusivement en visioconférence
Conférencière : Valérie Guyen Croquez
The history of France is vast and rich. In ten straightforward lectures spanning over twenty centuries, I will provide you with clear landmarks and anchor points to help you navigate through it.
Each lecture will highlight how history has shaped the France we know today. I will use a variety of materials (reproductions, film excerpts, and videos) to make the content engaging and dynamic.
From royal hunts to the 2024 Olympic Games, let’s retrace the history of this cornerstone of French civilization together!
- Admission to the lectures is only finalized once full payment has been made and the registration file has been validated.
- Registration can be completed online or directly at the institution’s admissions office.
- An annual registration fee of €75 is required at the time of enrollment.
Prerequisites
- You must be at least 18 years old.
- The required level of French is specified on each lecture.
Registration Procedures
- Admission to the lectures is only final when payment is complete and after validation of the registration file.
- Registration is done online or directly at the institution’s admissions office.
- Annual registration fees of 75 euros apply upon registration.
Detailed information on registration procedures can be found here.
