Oxford University's French subfaculty occupies a rather unusual position in the network of French Studies in the UK: the size of the department, the collegiate structure of the university, and certain of its very specific traditions all contribute to this singularity. But in recent years this department has, like so many others, undergone a series of necessary changes; some of them welcome and others less so. Certain of these changes will doubtless require development in the coming years: it is these changes that form the subject of this chapter.

It begins with a rapid overview, rendered absolutely necessary by the singularities mentioned above. But the function of this quick sketch, which does not claim to be exhaustive, is largely to provide a background for two proposals, addressed in the two subsequent sections. In keeping with the spirit of this volume, this is not an attempt to present a complete survey of the activities of the department; rather the aim is to focus on specific case studies. The two evoked here concern the early modern period, which is one of the sectors most beset with worries for the future. It should be emphasised that this is merely one viewpoint: both the overview and the choice of examples are clearly based on the author's (or the authors') own experience, and represent only his (or their) opinion. Equally, the resulting suggestions are simply intended to provide material for wider reflection.