Summerschool CIVIS: Culture, French Travel and European Mobilities (20-25 juin 22, Athènes)

CIVIS juin

This Summer School will promote interdisciplinary dialogue and research in humanities. It is devoted to the dissemination of a new perspective in travel studies in relation with French travellers, culture and European mobilities. As travel discourse is axiological, imaginary and symbolic, travelogues are characterized by their hybridity as genre. French and European travelogues, classified as a scientific writing or as a work of fiction, will be studied within the framework of European cultural History. The voyage (inner and outer), the encounter with the other, the clash of themes, topos, cultures and values, as well as travel iconography and the interaction between text and image, are but some of the many aspects to explore in an innovative way during the CIVIS Summer Course. French travel literature can also provide an international and interdisciplinary outlook to the narratives on migration and exile during political and social crises. Moreover, Gender equity which is one of CIVIS initiative will be studied through women travellers writings.

Main topics addressed

This CIVIS course will address the following main thematic axes:

  • Travel literature

  • Text and image

  • Travel and Fiction

  • Literature of exile

  • Migration studies

  • Gender aspects in travel literature

  • Post-colonial Studies and travel

  • Cultural transfers and mobility

  • French Cultural History

    Learning outcomes

  • The course aims to

  • Provide a solid overview of French travel literature

  • Develop the ability to understand travel iconography

  • Study French and European travel literature in the context of cultural history

  • Encourage interdisciplinary exchanges between participants

    For more information, please contact Assoc. Professor Irini Apostolou: irapo@frl.uoa.gr