Culture, French travel and European mobilities

Explore the contribution of French and European travel travelogues to the cultural understanding of foreign people and lands

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CIVIS focus area
Society, culture, heritage
Open to
  • Bachelor's
  • Master's
  • Phd
Field of studies
  • Social Science and humanities
Type
  • Short-term
Course dates
20 - 24 June 2022

This Summer School will promote interdisciplinary dialogue and research in humanities. It is devoted to the dissemination of a new perspective in travel studies in relation with French travellers, culture and European mobilities.

As travel discourse is axiological, imaginary and symbolic, travelogues are characterized by their hybridity as genre. French and European travelogues, classified as a scientific writing or as a work of fiction, will be studied within the framework of European cultural History. The voyage (inner and outer), the encounter with the other, the clash of themes, topos, cultures and values, as well as travel iconography and the interaction between text and image, are but some of the many aspects to explore in an innovative way during the CIVIS Summer Course. French travel literature can also provide an international and interdisciplinary outlook to the narratives on migration and exile during political and social crises. Moreover, Gender equity which is one of CIVIS initiative will be studied through women travellers writings. 

Main topics addressed

This CIVIS course will address the following main thematic axes:

  • Travel literature 
  • Text and image
  • Travel and Fiction
  • Literature of exile
  • Migration studies
  • Gender aspects in travel literature
  • Post-colonial Studies and travel
  • Cultural transfers and mobility
  • French Cultural History

Learning outcomes

The course aims to:

  • Provide a solid overview of French travel literature
  • Develop the ability to understand travel iconography 
  • Study French and European travel literature in the context of cultural history
  • Encourage interdisciplinary exchanges between participants 
Location: Athens, Greece Format: Blended
N° of CIVIS scholarships: 24 ECTS: 2*
Language: French (B2) & English (B2) Workload: 25 hours

*The recognition of ECTS depends on your home University.

Most of the sessions will be held in French. 

Requirements

This blended mobility Summer School is open to Bachelor's, Master and PhD students from one of CIVIS member Universities, enrolled or interested in the following fields of study: french literature, cultural history, travel studies.

A B2 level of French and English is required.

Application process

Applicants should fill in the online application form by 2 March 2022 (a CV and a motivational letter in French are required). 

An interview in French can also be required.

Selected students will be notified on 14 March 2022.

For further information, please contact the organiser of the course:  Irini Apostolou - irapo@frl.uoa.gr.

Assessment

  • BA students will write a short essay (10.000 signs) delivered one week after the end of SC.
  • MA students will write a short research essay (10.000 signs) delivered one week after the end of the SC.
  • PhD students will present during the SC a poster of their work linked to the SC.

GDPR Consent

The CIVIS alliance and its member universities will treat the information you provide with respect. Please refer to our privacy policy for more information on our privacy practices. By applying to this course you agree that we may process your information in accordance with these terms.

Organisers

  • Irini Apostolou, Associate Professor of French Cultural History, Department of French Language and Literature, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Paris-Sorbonne University, DEA, PhD 2003. 
  • Sylvie Requemora, Professor of French literature (17th c.) at Aix-Marseille Université, head of the 16-18 group of CIELAM.
  • Hans Färnlöf, Associate professor of French Literature at Stockholm University. PhD in 2000 (Stockholm), with a thesis on Maupassant's short stories.
  • Vanezia Pârlea, Stockholm University. Associate Professor of French Literature, Department of French Language and Literature, University of Bucharest, and director of the Heterotopos Research Center.
  • Nadia Fernández-de-Pinedo, Senior Lecturer, Professor of Economic History, Universidad Autónoma of Madrid.
  • Félix-Fernando Muñoz, Senior Lecturer, Universidad Autónoma of Madrid.

Invited Speakers

  • Vassiliki Lalagianni, Professor at the University of the Peloponnese. She is the Director of the Postgraduate Programme, Master of Arts (M.A.) in “Mediterranean Studies”.
  • Efterpi Mitsi, Professor in English Literature and Culture at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.
  • François Moureau, Emeritus Professor at the Paris Sorbonne University.
  • Alexis Nuselovici, Professor of General and Comparative Literature at Aix-Marseillé Université.

Instructors

  • Loukia Efthymiou, Professor in the Department of French Language and Literature, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.
  • Eleni Tatsopoulou, Associate Professor of French Literature at the Departement of French Language and Literature, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.
  • Ioanna Papaspyridou, Assistant Professor of French literature in the Department of French Language and Literature, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.
  • Katerina Stephanaki, PhD in French, Francophone and Comparative Literature, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.
  • Sabina Gola, PhD in Romance Philology, Professor of Italian language since 1993, Lecturer at Université libre de Bruxelles.
  • Silvia Tatti, Full professor of Italian Literature at Sapienza Università di Roma.

  • Sébastien Douchet, Associate Professor of French Literature HDR, Aix-Marseille Université