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University of Rochester Summer Program in Rennes, France
The UR program is taught by an MLC Faculty member. Students meet every weekday in a building located in a picturesque cobblestone street in central Rennes. Intermediate and more advanced students have a morning language and culture class, part of it shared and part divided in the appropriate levels. The French language classes include di... read more
The UR program is taught by an MLC Faculty member. Students meet every weekday in a building located in a picturesque cobblestone street in central Rennes. Intermediate and more advanced students have a morning language and culture class, part of it shared and part divided in the appropriate levels. The French language classes include discussions of French culture and contemporary issues in the historical context of France, Brittany and the city of Rennes. While students also use an American grammar text as a reference, the daily newspapers and the ambiant culture provide part of the French course materials.
Afternoons and evenings are usually free for exploring the city, enjoying its cafes and restaurants, parks and markets. Along with a guided tour of the city, planned activities always include a stop at the lively Saturday morning market with a peek at the bridal parties gathered around City Hall, a visit to the Fine Arts Museum and the museum of Breton life. Weekends are free for personal activities, family excursions or an occasional optional trip to a nearby site of interest. The Fete de la Musique, an all-France, all-day and all-night musical festival, takes place every year at the Summer Solstice. Throughout Rennes there are groups performing rock and rap, classical and experimental, all of it free.
Students receive 6 credits for either FR 157 or FR 207, "French in France," depending on prior language experience. Either course counts toward the French major or minor, and each is part of the Humanities Cluster: "Introduction to French Studies."
When students arrive in Paris they are met by the program director and are housed in a hotel in the lively Latin Quarter.
Three days are devoted to a group orientation to all things French: food, language, customs and the stunning sights of the City of Light. On the itinerary are visits to the Gothic jewel of the Sainte Chapelle and Notre Dame de Paris, the ruins of a Roman arena and the 19th century engineering marvel that is the symbol of Paris, the Eiffel Tower. A short distance outside of Paris are the magnificent chateau and gardens of Versailles built for Louis XIV. Students may also pursue individual interests among the sights and attractions of one of the world's most beautiful cities.
Once settled in Rennes students have weekly excursions which are an integral part of the curriculum. There are visits to the medieval abbey of Mont St Michel, perched on a rock in an estuary since the 13th century. American history is recalled on an expedition to the landing beaches of Normandy, the awe-inspiring American cemetery nearby and the Peace Museum in Caen. Shorter trips will be made to an intact castle in Vitr Less
