Curriculum

All courses are 4 quarter units each.

Required Courses

History 119D: Special Topics in Medieval and Early Modern History -- “Paris and the French Monarchy in the Middle Ages and the Early Modern Period"

119D will focus on the relationship between Paris’ emergence as the capital of France and the formation of the French realm from the early Capetian dynasty in the late tenth century to the early Bourbon kings in the early seventeenth century. Emphasis will be placed on the evolution of new cultural forms in the Ile-de-France (the region around Paris), the growth of royal institutions, and the making of France. Among the topics to be explored are the rise of epic and courtly literature, the central role played by the University of Paris in philosophical developments, the life of medieval students and medieval men and women in Paris, the making of a sacred monarchy, institutional developments, the Hundred Years war, the war of religions, and the growth of royal absolutism in the late sixteenth century. Occasionally, the course will break into small groups and have discussions led by the TA and professor.

History 191B: Undergraduate Seminar -- “Paris from Ancient to Modern: ”

191B will explore the development of Paris from a Roman settlement to the great rebuilding of the city in the mid-nineteenth century, and to its present glory. This seminar consists on a series of well planned walks through the city. After the three weeks of this course, you will know Paris as very few visitors ever get to know the city. This course will complement the lectures of 119D by offering a hands-on intimacy with Paris.

Optional Courses

History 19 (1 unit): Fiat Lux, Experiencing the Canal de Saint Martin: History, Film, Culture

This course will involve a guided tour of the Canal de Saint Martin in Paris. It will be accompanied by lectures and a visit to the most important landmarks along the canal. Students will write a two page summary of their impressions. There is an additional fee for this optional course. P/NP.

History 199 (4 units): Directed Research

Spanish and Portuguese 199 (4 units): Directed Research

You may earn independent study units by writing an academically rigorous 10-15 page paper or by presenting a carefully annotated portofolio of photographs or video production with an explanatory essay. Subject and format requires instructor's approval. Please note that deadlines dates apply even if you plan to travel after the program ends. There is an additional fee for this optional course. Letter grade.

Grading

Grades will be based on active daily discussion of the assigned readings and the sites visited. 119D will require a paper on one of the topics discussed in class. 191B will require a photographic journal, a diary, or some other creative enterprise (papers are also acceptable). Course work is due on September 12th. Your grades will depend on the quality of your work, contributions and engagement with the program, and behavior.

Schedule

All schedules, itineraries, and group activities are subject to change at the discretion of the instructor.

119D will consist of lectures, Monday through Thursday, 9:30am to 11:30am and at least two excursions during the week.

Tentative Excursions:
a) Chartres
b) Versailles
c) Vaux-le-Vicomte
d) St. Denis

191B will consist of afternoon walks in Paris, Monday through Thursday, 2pm to 6pm.

Tentative Walks in Paris:
a) Roman Paris (the arenes de Lutetia): 6th arrondisement
b) Medieval Paris: The Ile de la cité, Notre Dame, the St. Severin quarter
c) Early Modern Paris (Louis XIV and Revolutionary Paris): The Marais, Place des Vosges, Louvre, Place de la Greve, the Palais Royal, the gardens, the Sorbonne, the Latin Quarter, Beaux Arts, Academie
d) Nineteenth Century (Bohemian) Paris: Montmartre, Montparnasse, the great boulevards, the Opera quarter, la Butte aux Cailles, and other venues
e) New and old neighborhoods of Modern Paris: La Defense, Belleville, Cité Universitaire, rue de Rosiers
f) Monumental Paris: Champs Elysees, Eiffel Tower, Invalides
g) Parks: Luxemburg on a Sunday, Butte Chaumont, Tuilleries
h) The canal de St Martin and the basin de la Vilette (one of Professor Ruiz's favorite places)
i) The stomach and heart of Paris: La rue Mouffetard and Pantheon
j) Selected museums: For those sites that cannot accommodate large groups, students must pay entrance fees individually.
k) Cemeteries: Pere Lachaise, Montparnasse
l) Teo’s tours (a series of additional tours Professor Ruiz has designed over the years). The first one will be on the first Saturday the group is in Paris, followed by a picnic on the Pont des Arts to see the sun set on the Seine river.

Textbooks

Textbook information will be available at a later date.  You are responsible for purchasing your own textbooks. We strongly suggest you read as much of the text material as possible before the start of the program.