Paris Academia

Discover the full scope of one of the world’s most intellectually stimulating cities. Located in the heart of the 7th arrondissement, Paris Academia at the American University of Paris offers students an unparalleled Parisian university experience. Delve into your major and minor seminars with the city as your classroom. Together with peers and esteemed faculty, take advantage of all on offer in this global hub of arts, fashion, finance, cuisine, and diplomacy.

American University of Paris

The American University of Paris is a vibrant urban campus, nestled in the heart of the city. Some buildings overlook the Seine on the Quai d’Orsay, while others are tucked into the quiet St. Dominique neighborhood a few blocks away, between the Invalides and the Champ de Mars and Eiffel Tower. In a mix of elegant historic structures and modern, state-of-the-art facilities, students are immersed in university life and inspired by the Parisian experience.

History & Tradition

As one of the oldest American educational institutions in Europe, and the first in France, the American University of Paris is the ideal location to pursue academics and the arts. This summer, students will find inspiration in Paris’ vibrant social and cultural scene, following in the footsteps of world leaders, scientists, artists, and researchers—on the banks of the Seine, in the Musée d’Orsay up the street, at La Bourse, the French stock exchange, and more.

Program Structure

Students and faculty live in university apartments in a beautifully renovated hôtel particulier on the Champs-Élysées, a short walk or Métro ride from campus, immersing students in urban life in the charming heart of Paris. After a French breakfast on campus, seminar learning begins in classrooms, labs, or out in the city itself. Learning is primarily field-based and seminars meet for much of the day to allow time for excursions and exploration. Following a picnic or lunch in a cafe, seminars continue. Afternoons and evenings offer opportunities for students to explore Paris, pursue interests beyond seminar topics through elective workshops, take part in extracurricular activities, or work on independent projects.

After dinner in local restaurants, students and faculty from all seminars convene for evening activities, which may include programming such as a keynote address, taking in a local play, or an activity such as strolling the streets of Paris or a night visit to a museum. On the final days of the program, students focus on completing their independent projects in their seminar groups.

Workshops & Guest Speakers

In addition to in-depth major and minor seminars, explore other interests and topics in elective lectures and workshops offered by faculty and visiting guests alike. Spend a day appreciating the architectural diversity of Paris, from the medieval alleyways of the Marais to the modern National Library and the towers of La Défense. Take a workshop in the art of traditional bread making as you learn about the history of Paris through the lens of a Parisian boulanger. Workshops range from a single afternoon to multi-series events. Our base at the university is the perfect jumping-off point for visits to Montmartre, the Notre Dame construction site, the Île Saint-Louis, le Marais, and les Jardins du Luxembourg.

Featured Guest Speaker

Catherine Down, University of Gastronomic Sciences, M.A., Food Culture & Communications

Catherine is a James Beard-nominated freelance food and travel writer who has written for The New York Times, Condé Nast Traveler, Eater, The Food Network, Travel & Luxury, TripAdvisor, and McSweeney’s, among others. Over the years, she has shepherded thousands of travelers to the best food in France through her work as a culinary tour guide. Before moving to Paris, she founded and edited Edible DC Magazine. Since earning her master’s in food culture and communication in Italy, she now writes, eats, and lives in Paris.

Seminars

Paris Academia is designed for intellectually curious students to pursue an academic interest while immersed in a vibrant cultural hub. Students choose a major seminar and a minor seminar, taught by academic faculty and expert professionals, and engage with course material through lectures from guest speakers and scholars, small group projects, classroom discussion, and field-based learning.

Art History

As the epicenter of Western artistic development, Paris is home to the most renowned artworks in the world and iconic architectural landmarks. In this fieldbased seminar, explore art history from prehistory through today, using the city as your classroom. In the blockbuster galleries of the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay, and the quieter corners of the Brancusi studio and Musée Jacquemart-Andre, follow movements that shaped history and inspired generations of artists. See the world through the eyes of the Impressionists at the Musée de l’Orangerie, walk in the footsteps of Renoir, Dalí, Picasso, Modigliani, and van Gogh, and see where many of their groundbreaking works were completed.

Business, Banking, & Markets

This hands-on seminar begins by examining the economic players and the playing field where firms operate, with discussions of supply and demand, regulations and free trade, international trade, and currency flows. With role-playing, field visits, and lectures, consider the practical aspects of business, including management, finance, marketing, advertising, and public relations. Then expand to a macro-level, and explore the topics of finance, investment, trade, and banking and how they interact in a global market.

Fashion Design & Culture

Experience firsthand the skill, vision, creativity, and mastery that combine to make Paris one of the fashion capitals of the world. Join artisans in turning beautiful natural materials into signature style, and get real-world insight as you talk to fashion designers, promoters, and influencers. Explore Paris’ fashion districts, trace trends at the Musée de la Mode et du Textile or Palais Galliera, and consider the impact of iconic brands like Louis Vuitton, Hermès, and Cartier, which call Paris home. Learn how Paris positions itself in global fashion as a champion of both tradition and innovation, exploring the business on the runway and behind the scenes.

French Language: Streets of Paris (Intermediate/Advanced)

With Paris as both backdrop and classroom, combine classroom instruction, reallife scenarios, and authentic experiences to improve comprehension and spoken command of the language. Explore Paris’ dynamic contemporary cultural scene, learning about French society, youth culture, film and media, music, dance, and cuisine. Interview Parisian market-goers to find the city’s best cheese, croissants, and other French specialties, talk with a museum guard at the Musée d’Orsay about their favorite Degas painting, or prepare a discussion about the role of French hiphop. Limited class size allows you to set personal language goals together with your instructor so they can provide guidance in the areas you most want to improve. A minimum of two years of French study is required.

Law & Society

Explore legal principles to better understand why laws exist, their place in our social world, and the state’s role in defining what may be ambiguous or evolving doctrine. Examine the different forms of constitutional governments, and apply a critical lens to the relatively modern concept of constitutions as governing documents. Learn about the various multinational institutions—including the UN, the WTO, and the International Court of Justice—that work independently and together to establish order throughout Europe and beyond. Examine the scope of their regulatory and enforcement power and discuss controversial cases and legal doctrine.

Paris & the Creative Imagination

From its cafes and museums to its boulevards and parks, Paris has served as muse for centuries of artists, creators, and visionaries. In this field-based creative course, immerse yourself in this palpable tradition as you hone your own artistic vision and explore new perspectives and media. Explore the city’s hidden corners and famous landmarks with your sketchbook and camera, and follow the footsteps of the many artists who worked in the city. Balance your field-based explorations with readings, film, and music, and prepare a final exhibition for the rest of your group to share your own Parisian works.

More Seminars:

• French Cuisine

• French Language: Conversation (Beginning French)

• French Language: French Cuisine (Advanced/Intermediate)

• History’s Secrets

• Medicine & Public Health