Intermediate(B1+/ B2 )
1.5 hours per week for 5 weeks Starting September 15, 2026
At Online via Zoom Get Directions
Loïc Lerme
Time Slots
Tuesdays, 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
About this Class
From Odysseus and Pandora to Batman and Black Panther, heroic stories have shaped the way societies understand themselves for thousands of years. But why do these ancient myths continue to captivate us? What do modern heroes reveal about our values, fears, and aspirations? In this engaging five-week B1+/B2 course, participants will explore the enduring power of myths and heroic journeys across cultures and time periods while developing advanced communication skills in French.
Through a rich variety of authentic and adapted materials, including mythological texts, videos, film excerpts, press articles, and contemporary cultural references, students will discover how ancient narratives continue to influence literature, cinema, popular culture, and collective imagination. From Homer's Odyssey to modern superheroes, this course examines the universal themes that connect legendary heroes with today's protagonists.
Participants will analyze famous myths from around the world, compare cultural perspectives, discuss the role of heroes in contemporary society, and reflect on the values transmitted through these stories. Interactive activities, debates, collaborative projects, and guided discussions will encourage learners to share their ideas and strengthen their oral and written communication skills.
Throughout the course, students will develop the ability to:
- Narrate events and tell stories in the past
- Describe heroes, their journeys, and their transformations
- Express hypotheses, possibilities, and imagined scenarios
- Compare different cultural traditions and worldviews
- Present and defend opinions in discussions and debates
- Use narrative and argumentative connectors effectively
- Expand vocabulary related to mythology, culture, storytelling, cinema, and society
Topics explored include:
The Odyssey: a timeless hero's journey and its influence on contemporary cinema
The Hero's Journey: understanding the universal structure of mythical narratives
Founding Myths Around the World: comparing stories of origins, creation, and cultural identity
Modern Heroes and Popular Culture: from ancient legends to superheroes and film protagonists
Creating New Myths: imagining the heroes and stories that define the 21st century
As a culminating project, participants will work collaboratively to invent and present a founding myth for the modern world, creating an original hero, a symbolic quest, and a narrative that reflects the challenges and values of contemporary society. This final presentation, accompanied by a visual poster or short synopsis, will allow students to apply the linguistic and cultural skills developed throughout the course.