Old Occitan is a language used in the 8th through 14th centuries in southern France, influential as the first Romance language in which literature was produced, including the lyric poetry of the troubadours. The Old Occitan Reading Group meets weekly during the semester to study Old Occitan grammar and vocabulary and works towards reading fluency. Reading selections are tailored to the interests of the participants, and no previous experience with Old Occitan is required. Please contact Professor Barbara Vance or Professor Elizabeth Hebbard for more information.