Paris Fall Seminar - Courses and Credits

Program participants enroll in a total of four courses: a beginning or low-intermediate French language course, a course on French culture, society, or history related to the seminar topic, and two additional seminar courses that are taught by the Seminar Director an based on the theme of the seminar. There is no French language requirement for the Paris Fall Seminar -- all courses, except the French language course, are taught in English.

Academic Program - 2013

The 2013 Paris Fall Seminar program, '68 & After: Revolution and Reaction in French Politics and Culture, is made up of the following courses for a total of 15 credits:

JPPH 304 (4 credits)
French Social & Political Thought

The course French Social & Political Thought, a special edition of PH 304, examines the three traditions of French political philosophy (positivist, liberal, and utopian revolutionary) which informed the events of 1968 and the reactions to it. Surveying French thought since the 18th century, this seminar will explore how enlightenment era debates about the individual, freedom, equality, justice, class, fraternity, science, and reason developed over two centuries such that the social actions taken during May of 68 can be understood, justified, and critiqued. Taught in English.

JPFL 325 French History and Society (3 credits)

The aim of this course is to give students a deeper understanding of French history, contemporary life and culture. Taking a thematic approach, it will encourage students to engage in and debate the key issues that challenge French society in the XXI^st century. Therefore, we will examine France's main social and political institutions as well as the customs, mentality, and value systems of French people today. Taught in English.

This course will allow students to acquire the basic elements of spoken and written French. Students will learn how to express themselves in everyday life situations through a functional and communicative approach based on acquiring vocabulary, acquiring basics in grammar, and working on pronunciation. The ability to communicate and interact will be the major focus of this course. Rigorous weekly homework and active participation in class are expected from all students. Assignments will consist of studying and practicing dialogues, learning vocabulary, grammar and verbs, preparing oral and written activities, and reading documents. This course is designed for students who have no or very little knowledge in French.

* There is no language requirement for this program. Students with little or no French language experience are encouraged to apply.