Cannes and the French Riviera: Texts in Context - Civilization, Culture, and Language

Students fly together to France and travel to Cannes, a resort town on the French Riviera, famed for its international film festival. Its Boulevard de la Croisette, curving along the coast, is lined with sandy beaches, upmarket boutiques and palatial hotels. 

Students will travel throughout Cannes to see several original documents studied in class and experience numerous locations mentioned in the documents to get richer and fuller understanding of the context and history of France.  

Study locations and texts unique to the region: documents related to Napoleon’s debarkation in the Golfe Juan before Waterloo, newspaper reports on the explosion of the fashion and perfume industry in the 19th century with rich noble families using the “Côte d’azur” as their playground, texts documenting the importance of the South of France in 20th century art history (Picasso, Cocteau, Matisse, and Chagall) as well as posters and advertisements documenting how the Cannes Film Festival was affected at the beginning of the Second World War. 

In addition to various locations within Cannes, the following day trips are planned:   

• A day trip to the “îles des Lérins” is scheduled. L’île Marguerite is where the “Man in the Iron mask” was imprisoned. The legend of the man in the iron mask predates the period covered in this class. However, the story provides a fascinating introductory lesson on the topic of history vs. legend and the importance of documentation and evidence in the recording of history. As such, the study abroad will begin with a visit of the prison museum on L’Île Marguerite. 
• Another day trip to Golfe Juan (and Cannes). Having been exiled to the island of Elba in May 1814, Napoleon returned to France on March 1, 1815, landing near Cannes with 1,000 men. He won support from the rural peasantry as he marched toward Paris, and Louis XVIII fled the country prior to Napoleon’s arrival in the capital on March 20.
• Art day trip (the Rothschild Villa Ephrussi, Chagall museum, Matisse museum) 
• Perfume and fashion industry day trip to Grasse (the center of the perfume and fashion industry)
• Art day trips to Beaulieu-sur-Mer, Nice, and Antibes (the Rothschild Villa Ephrussi, Chagall museum, Picasso museum)
• An optional trip to Èze, Monaco or St. Paul de Vence will also be possible. 

Students return home to Michigan, enriched and changed.

Requirements: A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required. Students who don't meet the GPA requirement may still be eligible and should speak with OU's International Education Office prior to applying.

Courses: FRH 1610: Texts from the French and Francophone World (post-1800) (4 credits) 

This course can fulfill either the General Education requirement in Western Civilization or the General Education requirement in Global Perspectives (not both).

FRH 1140: First Year French I (4 credits)

This course fulfills the General Education requirement in Language and Culture.

Students may choose to take FRH 1610 or FRH 1140, or both.

FRH 1610 is conducted entirely in English. Students are not required to have any prior knowledge of French to participate. FRH 1600 is not required to take FRH 1610. In this study abroad version of FRH 1610, study includes locations and texts unique to the French Riviera.

Students will reside in a spacious apartment in Cannes, a few steps from the Croisette. All apartments are sound-proofed with a fully-equipped kitchen and wi-fi.

Students will purchase meals independently at the many restaurants, cafes and bistros throughout the region. The most famous specialties in Cannes are aïoli garni, bouillabaisse, codfish brandade, daube à la provençale, pumpkin gratin, panisse (fried chickpea cakes), pissaladière, ratatouille niçoise, rouille, salade niçoise, soupe au pistou (soup with basil and garlic), tapenade, and sauté of veal aux olives. Bon appetit!

Tuition: 4 or 8 Credits

You will be charged for these credits on your eBill at your normal rate of tuition.

Program Fee: $2,550

To be paid to OU on our MarketPlace payment system and includes: housing and some meals, ground transportation and all excursions while in France, and health insurance.

Additional Costs: $1,925

You will need additional funds for these expenses not covered by program fee. Amounts are estimated.

Airfare: $1,300
Meals: $200
Incidental personal expenses: $200
Passport (if you don't have one): $175
Optional excursion to Monaco: $50

Scholarships and Financial Aid: You are able to use financial aid to cover your full cost of attendance to this program (tuition, program fee and additional costs). Scholarships are also available through your study abroad application.