This course is aimed at people with some prior knowledge of the French language who would like to develop their speaking, reading, and communication skills, as well as learning about various aspects of French culture, history, and society. It is a rich and entertaining course for anyone who loves and would like to learn more about France! 

Each week will be dedicated to a topic that specifically reflects an aspect of French culture: the place and symbolism of gastronomy, the impact of French cinema in the world, music that has altered society (Gainsbourg, Piaf, Brassens…), or historical events such as Louis XIV’s Court of Versailles, the 1789 revolution, the Napoleonic wars, post-WW2 reconstruction, May ’68… We will also learn to structure and carry out a debate on a given “hot topic” (Charlie Hebdo and the freedom of expression; Marine Lepen and the radicalisation of the far right; vaccine-scepticism…) by developing arguments individually and then as a group. Classes are about so much more than discovering the language and developing foreign conversation skills: together we explore the cultural, historical, and social habits of this beautiful and complex country. 

Laetitia

I have always been incredibly passionate about history and literature and hold two BAs: one in Anglo-American Literature and History, and another in English-Italian Linguistics. In 2019, I obtained my MA in English Drama and Literature, specializing in the Restoration era and 1960s England. After growing up in the United States and then living for sixteen years in the South of France, I came to England in 2016. I currently reside in Brighton with my husband, daughter, and French cat. I teach foreign languages (French, English, and Italian) in Brighton & Hove, and Rottingdean, as well as mentoring sixth form students. I am passionate about: art, literature, history, yoga, gastronomy