French 137: Paris: Anatomy of a City
The official motto of Paris is the Latin phrase, "Fluctuat Nec Mergitur," which can be translated as "Battered by the waves, it does not sink." From the construction of Notre Dame Cathedral in the 12th century to its near-destruction in the French Revolution, from the Eiffel Tower's beginnings as a shocking modern "eyesore" to its status today as a beloved landmark, Paris's history has been full of ups and downs, controversies and changes. Through a 6-part thematic overview, this class presents the events, people, and ideas that have contributed to Paris's status and identity today as world capital, beloved tourist destination, and quintessential symbol of French culture.
What will I learn in this course?
This is a 3-credit introductory survey of the cultural, artistic, literary, and social life of the city of Paris. We will explore painting, sculpture, architecture, music, dance, theatre, literature, as well as the history and geography of this great city through the ages. Beginning with Gallo-Roman Paris and ending with the Paris of today, the course will explore the continuities as well as the changes in more than 2000 years of Parisian history. By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- demonstrate basic knowledge of Paris in terms of history, geography, architecture, artistic movements, and social and political developments;
- develop an understanding of the notion of urban space;
- analyze the following oppositions in depth: urban vs. rural, revolution vs. stability, community vs. isolation, spectacle vs. privacy, creation vs. demolition, society vs individual, planned development vs. spontaneous development, outsider vs. insider, peripheries vs. centers;
- improve critical thinking and writing skills
This course meets the General Education Humanities (GH) requirements, the International Cultures (IL) requirements, and the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements. See your advisor if you have questions about how this course can be used in your program of study.
Are there any prerequisites for this course?
There are no specific classes that you must take before taking French 137. This course is taught completely online. Students who are disciplined and motivated will be highly successful in FR 137 because these qualities allow students to better assume a greater degree of responsibility for their own learning. To take this course, you should feel comfortable navigating on the Internet. You must also be a self-starter who feels confident about reading to learn and who is comfortable working independently.
I've never taken an online course before. What is it like?
By taking an online course, you can learn beyond the traditional borders of the classroom, and as part of a wider and more diverse audience. There are no preset meeting times, so this class will help those who are struggling with scheduling issues. We'll use Penn State's ANGEL system for FR 137, and a combination of flash slideshows, audio, and images as our class "lecture." You'll communicate with the professor and your classmates through chat, e-mail, and threaded discussions within ANGEL.
An online course is not easier than a traditional resident course! You must be willing and able to commit the same amount of time as you would for attending class and studying for a traditional course. If you're wondering whether an online course is right for you, take this short survey to find out more about how online learning is different.
What are the technological requirements for this course?
This course is designed to work within the ANGEL technological requirements. You will need to have speakers on your computer to hear the audio lecture files.
How is the course structured?
FR 137 has six themes, divided into three lessons each, for a total of eighteen lessons. There will be an online timed quiz on each lesson. There will also be one discussion question available for each lesson (three per week in the summer semester). Each week, you must post an original comment on one question and a response to another student's posting for a different question. There will be a final project due at the end of the course with interim deadlines throughout the semester.
Where can I get more information?
For more information about FR 137 Online, see a recent course syllabus. To register, visit the Office of the University Registrar. At the beginning of each semester, all enrolled students should access FR 137 at the site of Penn State's course management system, ANGEL.
"If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris as a young man then wherever you go for the rest of your life, it stays with you, for Paris is a moveable feast."
Ernest Hemingway
Notre Dame Cathedral
“Get down on your knees and pray! I know it, I see it. The Huns will not come”
Ste. Genevieve, in AD 451
The Eiffel Tower
“An entire city, built with pomp, seems to have arisen miraculously from an old ditch”
Corneille, Le Menteur, 1643
Louis XIV
“Let no one speak to me of anything small!”
Bernini to Louis XIV, 1665