Eligibility:
Minimum GPA of 2.7. Five semesters of French;
through French 202, plus French 152 or 252. Grade of B
or better in all French courses.
Dates: Fall Semester: Late-August through early-January.
Location: Rennes, with a population of 400,000 is the
capitol of the province of Brittany in northwestern France.
The city is located just under two hours from Paris by
Train. Rennes is a lively university town, distinctive with
its timber framed architecture, winding medieval streets,
and an exuberant café atmosphere; indeed, 60,000 of the
residents in Rennes are students. The program provides
the ideal backdrop for experiencing French university life
amongst French students, as well as exploring one of the
strongest regional identities in France. Although firmly
French, Brittany’sCeltic roots show themselves in local
traditions likely to surface anywhere from the food at the
local market to the music played on the street, in a unique
blending of French and Celtic influences.
The program is based at the University of Haute Bretagne
and students take courses in humanities and social
sciences at the Rennes II campus. Founded in 1810, the
University boasts strengths in the social sciences,
particularly in international relations, and in foreign
languages. Students in history, psychology and sociology
are also well served. In the arts, students may study a
range of subjects including art history, film history, theater,
and music history. Students in applied art may arrange to
take courses in this area. Students of applied music may
arrange for private instrumental instruction, in addition to
the regular academic program.
Program Structure: All program participants take the
core course together with the other Occidental participants,
taught in French. The remainder of courses are fully
integrated at the University and instruction is in French
with French faculty alongside French students. Note that
the French university system utilizes a traditional lecture
format and, in keeping with the European tradition of
education, students are expected to structure their own
academic work, as this will not be dictated by a syllabus.
Academic Program: The program begins with an
orientation in Paris. Following orientation, students travel
to Rennes and settle into their accommodation in the
university residence halls. In Rennes, all students
participate in the Oxy-in-France course, Breton Identity
and French Thought. In addition, students join fully into
the academic program at University Rennes.
Students
should work carefully with the academic staff
on-site to construct an academic program totaling no fewer
than sixteen credits. A maximum of sixteen Oxy credits will
be awarded for the semester
Number of Students: 5 or more
Housing: In Rennes, single dormitory rooms in university
residence halls with French students. A kitchen is available
on each floor and students may prepare their own meals
or utilize the student cafeteria or local eateries.
Program Advisor: Susan Grayson
Visit the Host Site's Home Page:
Rennes
*New!!
France Photo Album!!*
