T4222 THE TREASURES OF PARIS AND THE ÎLE DE FRANCE: PATRIMOINE NATIONAL OR WORLD HERITAGE?

January 7-30, 2014

Paris

Academic Overview
What does it mean to be “French,” from a French perspective? Are we all a little bit French? Through readings, lectures, site visits, and individual exploration of the city of Paris, students will be introduced to important elements of French national identity, including key historical, architectural, and artistic monuments. As they explore the city, students will be encouraged to experience its treasures – big and small – from a French perspective. They will gain an understanding of the role cultural treasures may play in an individual’s understanding of his or her own identity, as well as the ways in which cultural artifacts and sites may contribute to a shared sense of community. Students will be encouraged to question how “community” can or should be defined.

Course materials will include readings on French history, culture, architecture, and art, as well as literary descriptions of Paris. A course packet will provide practical information and a series of activities to guide students in their exploration of the city. This course offers an intensive French language experience for students wishing to earn upper-division French credit while studying French history and experiencing French culture first-hand.

Comprehensive Fee
Costs: $5290-5590*
*Each home institution may have supplementary fees in addition to the price listed.
Comprehensive Fee Includes: Transportation and course arrangements as indicated, hotel accommodations in twin and triple rooms, continental breakfast daily and at least one other meal daily (voucher provided) and one cultural performance. (subject to change)

Prerequisites
One advanced French language course (FREN 300 at UST, or its equivalent). Students who have finished their intermediate course sequence and have strong language skills are encouraged to apply and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Required Readings
Julien Green’s Paris (New York: Marion Boyers, 1991)

Encyclopédie du voyage: Paris (Éditions Gallimard, 2012)
Course Packet

Evaluation
10% Attendance
20% Participation
40% Cultural Competency
30% Synthesis

Faculty Directors
Stephanie Lohse, Ph.D, University of St. Thomas (651) 962-5280
Ashley Shams, Ph.D, University of St. Thomas (651) 962-5284

Description of Faculty Directors

Dr. Lohse teaches in the Department of Modern & Classical Languages at the University of St Thomas. She holds a Ph.D. in French, specializing in medieval literature and culture. In spring 2003 Dr. Lohse co-taught a University of Minnesota May Session course in Business French in Montpellier, France. In January 2010 Dr. Lohse developed and co-taught a version of this course.

Dr. Shams teaches in the Department of Modern & Classical Languages at the University of St Thomas. She holds a Ph.D. in French specializing in second language acquisition. In January 2005 Dr. Shams co-directed a UMAIE course in French civilization in Martinique. Between 2005 and 2010 she co-directed three course-embedded international interdisciplinary service-learning projects to Mali. She also co-directed a spring course embedded project in St. Vincent and the Grenadines in 2004.

Final Application Deadline: October 1, 2013

For more information on course content, contact Prof. Stephanie Lohse
On application procedures or logistical information, contact your study abroad office.