Rai d'Honoré
A former university professor of languages, literature, film, politics, and philosophy,
Dr. Rai d’Honoré also composes troubadour songs in Occitan and sings with a French
group in the southwest of France, where she’s currently based. Her passion is the
Middle Ages, but she’s also been vice president of an international management company,
executive director of a nonprofit educational foundation, archeological tour guide
for Jeep safaris, and a mountain guide for horseback trails in Africa.
Crusades: Finance, Faith, or Fascism (Fall Term 2023)
Participant Testimonials:
The instructor made the crusades more real than they have ever been for me.
I especially liked that Rai connected the crusades to present day events; that made the now and then more meaningful.
Occitania—A Forgotten Brilliance (Winter Term 2023)
Participant Testimonials:
She had amazing knowledge of the subject, and a clear passion for Occitania as well. She was completely prepared for all sessions and able to elaborate on any topic or answer any questions.
Extremely knowledgeable and her enthusiasm is contagious!
The Beginnings of Civilization: Did We Get It Wrong? (Winter Term 2022)
Participant Testimonials:
I did learn a good deal about selected ancient civilizations, and I enjoyed that the focus of the class was different than I had expected.
I would say this course exceeded expectations. Plenty of interesting material, and well-presented.
Esclarmonde de Foix - Medieval Resistance Fighter (Winter Term 2021)
Participant Testimonials:
She's an expert. Rai is an excellent teacher who loves this subject!
Rai's course was absolutely wonderful! Rai's experience as a seasoned instructor was reflected in every class.
In the Time of the Troubadours (Fall Term 2018)
Participant Testimonials:
Rai is very knowledgeable and was able to give me a new perspective on the Middle Ages in Occitania. Her preparation was superb and her weekly class summaries were much appreciated. The fact that she personally sang some of the Troubadour songs was quite special.
I didn't know what to expect, but it was utterly fascinating. The material touched on all sorts of things I knew and didn't know.
Times and Traditions of the Troubadours (Spring Term 2017)
Participant Testimonials:
Rai is a passionate and articulate scholar. It was a real treat to be exposed to her expertise.
Rai's beautiful singing with the chance to hear distinctions in the Troubadours' voices and formats! This was such a wonderful opportunity - Osher at its best!