Loïc Lerme
Angoulême, France
Bio
A native of Angoulême, in the south west of France, Loïc holds a maîtrise in English and Irish Literatures from the University of Lille, France, and an M.A. and Ph.D in French Studies from the University of Indiana, Bloomington. Loïc has taught French in 3 different American universities and has lived in France, French Guiana, Senegal, Djibouti, New Caledonia, and Northern Ireland. He loves to travel around the world and learn more about foreign cultures. He is trained in 2nd language acquisition, FLE, translation and interpreting, and literary studies. He published several book reviews (about Charles Baudelaire among others) and translated articles for French magazines. Until June 2022, Loïc taught French language, Francophone cultures, conversation, and writing classes at Dartmouth College, NH. He also organized, supervised, and advertised cultural events for the French club in the French program.
Classes Recently Taught
B1+/ B2 | Thinkers, Words, and Acts: The Birth of Democracy (France–USA) | Online
How did ideas spark revolutions—and how did those revolutions transform the world? This course traces the rise of democracy through the dynamic exchange between France and the United States in the 18th century. Exploring Enlightenment philosophy, revolutionary texts, and key historical events, we will see how ideals like liberty, equality, and popular sovereignty moved from theory into action. By comparing both sides of the Atlantic, students will discover how powerful ideas shaped enduring democratic systems.
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B2 / C1 | L'affaire des poisons: rivalités et sorcellerie à la Cour du Roi-Soleil | Online
La seule évocation de la cour de Louis XIV évoque aussitôt un univers de faste, d’étiquette et de pouvoir absolu. Pourtant, derrière le éclat de Versailles se dissimule l’un des scandales les plus troublants de l’Ancien Régime : l’Affaire des Poisons. Dans les années 1670–1680, un réseau de devineresses, alchimistes et prétendues sorcières est accusé de vendre des poisons, pratiquer des messes noires et commettre des crimes jusque dans les cercles les plus élevés. Ce qui commence comme une simple enquête devient une crise politique majeure, touchant la noblesse et l’entourage du roi. Ce cours propose d’examiner cette affaire à la fois comme réseau criminel, scandale politique et moment clé dans la naissance de la police judiciaire moderne en France.
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B1+/ B2 | La Bête du Gévaudan : mythes et réalités | Online
Have you ever heard of the Beast of Gévaudan? Between 1764 and 1767, in a remote region of south-central France, a mysterious “wolf-like” creature carried out a series of deadly attacks, spreading fear among the population. The case became so sensational that it circulated across Europe, drawing the attention of Louis XV’s monarchy and revealing the limits of royal authority. Was the Beast a wolf, a hybrid, a human killer, or a product of collective fear? Through the lenses of sociology, religion, and politics, this course explores why the story emerged when and where it did—and what it reveals about rural life, superstition, media, and power in 18th-century France.
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B2 | Literature: Easy Reading - La Symphonie Pastorale | Online
You don't have to be at the Advanced level to enjoy reading in French! Develop speaking and comprehension while reading and analyzing simple literary works from a wide variety of genres. For this edition, discover La Symphonie Pastorale with Loic.
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B1-1 | Intermediate French 1 | In Person
Identify criteria for something, be cautious or aware of something, express your wishes and intentions, ask politely for something, talk over the phone, give advice, outline a hypothetical situation, describe a memory, a place, a visit to a foreign city and more!
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A1-2 | Beginner French 2 | In-Person
Are you ready to kick-start your French education? Learn to introduce yourself, talk about your new neighbors, describe your personal preferences and much more!
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B2 | Literature: Easy Reading - Madame Bovary | In person
You don't have to be at the proficient level to enjoy reading in French! Develop speaking and comprehension while reading and analyzing simple literary works from a wide variety of genres. For this edition, discover Madame Bovary with Loic.
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B2 | Advanced Conversation | In Person
With an emphasis on conversation, multimedia resources and current events, this course will get you on your way to being a sparkling conversationalist (and improve your grammar too!)
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A1-3 | Beginner French 3 | In Person
Are you ready to kick-start your French education? Learn how to look for an apartment, understand a room inspection, learn about lodging regulations, draft a set of rules for shared living, and much more!
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