The Classics of French Literature

About

This one-week course (3 hours per day) offers an engaging introduction to French literature from the Renaissance to the present day. Through the study of major authors and works, participants will explore the richness and diversity of literary movements that have shaped French culture.

The program includes texts by writers such as Ronsard, La Fontaine, Madame de La Fayette, Marivaux, Beaumarchais, Voltaire, Laclos, Balzac, Flaubert, Lamartine, Rimbaud, Proust, Céline, and Modiano, as well as Renaissance women writers and authors of the classical fairy-tale tradition like Perrault and Madame d’Aulnoy. Poetry, theater, and novels will be studied through works such as Candide, Les Liaisons dangereuses, Le Mariage de Figaro, Eugénie Grandet, Du côté de chez Swann, and contemporary plays by Jean-Luc Lagarce and Wajdi Mouawad.

Through guided readings, discussions, and occasional creative activities, participants will develop their understanding of key literary themes and the historical and cultural contexts in which these works were produced.

The Sorbonne Summer University is open to anyone aged 16 or over who wishes to broaden their knowledge (minors must have parental permission). Courses are taught in French, and a B1 level of proficiency is recommended, although no certificate is required.

This course is also available on July 6–10, July 13–17, and July 20–24, 2026.

Course leader

Faculty of Arts, Languages, Literature and Humanities

Target group

The Sorbonne Summer University is open to anyone aged 16 or over who wants to learn something new or improve their knowledge (minors must have parental permission). The course cycles are preferably aimed at people with a minimum of two years’ higher education.

For all courses in French, the expected level proficiency is B1 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. However, no proof is required.

Course taught in French.

Fee info