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French Cinema from Paris to Cannes

Syllabus (subject to change)

Prerequisite: none.

Course description: Traces the social and technological history of French Film. All required films are subtitled in English. Readings and discussions in English.

Films will be seen together in a group or on Brightspace, except for the Film Festival where students may select the films they wish to see. All film viewing sessions are required.

Absence policy: Unexcused absences hinder the progress not only of the individual student but often of the entire class. It is expected that students will be present for all events in this class, and absences will be noted and will affect the final grade.

Assignments and grading:

  • Students will keep a journal, which can be handwritten in a notebook, or on a computer or website. This journal will reflect on the films, museums, and visits for the day as well as the assigned reading. (10%)
  • Students will create a project based on their interests and experiences in the program. This creative project may be a film, multimedia website, or other pre-approved product. (30%)
  • Students will present the history and importance of one director (as assigned) to the class. (10%)
  • Students will present one museum or cultural event the day before we go, in groups, as assigned. (10%)
  • Students will give an oral report of what they did and saw each day. These reports may be done in groups. (10%)
  • Students will actively participate in discussion and scheduled visits. Students must clearly show that they did the assigned reading. (30%)

Before your departure:

Students will take a flight to Paris, arriving by May 3. Students are not required to take the same flight, but a suggested itinerary will be provided so that students can travel together.

USA: May 2, 2026

Leave for Paris in the evening of Sunday, May 2, arriving in the morning of May 3. Suggested flights can be arranged through World Travel. After you have received final confirmation that the course has reached enrollment goals and you have been admitted, you may schedule your flight.

Paris: May 3-11, 2026

MIJE Hostel, 11 Rue du Fauconnier, 75004 Paris, France

Phone: +33 1 42 74 23 45

Sunday, May 3 – Arrival

  • Check-in to hostel
  • On-site orientation
  • Welcome dinner

Monday, May 4 – Early French Film

  • Before class: WATCH Méliès, Un Chien Andalou (Buñuel/Dali), READ French Cinema, Chapter 1
  • In class: discussion of early French cinema with examples from Lumière, Vigo

Tuesday, May 5 – Golden Age Cinema

  • Before class: WATCH Crime of M. Lange (Renoir); READ: French Cinema, Chapter 2
  • In class: discussion of Surrealism and Golden Age film, especially Renoir

Wednesday, May 6

Thursday, May 7

Friday, May 8

Saturday, May 9 – Sunday, May 10 – free weekend

Suggestions for things to do in and around Paris:

  • Boat or bus tour of Paris.
  • Visit Versailles or DisneyWorld Paris
  • Wine tour
  • Visit a world-famous historic jazz club

Monday, May 11 – Travel to Cannes

Cannes, May 11-24, 2026

Hostel Santa Maria, Collège International de Cannes, 1 Av. Alexandre Pascal, 06400 Cannes, France
Phone: +33 4 93 47 39 29

Daily activities are announced on site. Every evening we will discuss plans for the next day.

Tuesday, May 12 – festival opens

Wednesday, May 13

Thursday, May 14

  • Activities tbd
  • 5-7 wrap up for day, reports, and plans for tomorrow
  • Cinema de la plage 9pm each night

Friday, May 15

  • Activities tbd
  • 5-7 wrap up for day, reports, and plans for tomorrow
  • Cinema de la plage 9pm each night

Saturday, May 16 and Sunday, May 17

  • Festival continues
  • Free weekend

Monday, May 18

  • Day trip to Monaco

Tuesday, May 19

  • Activities tbd
  • 5-7 wrap up for day, reports, and plans for tomorrow
  • Cinema de la plage 9pm each night

Wednesday, May 20

  • Activities tbd
  • 5-7 wrap up for day, reports, and plans for tomorrow
  • Cinema de la plage 9pm each night

Thursday, May 21

  • Activities tbd
  • 5-7 wrap up for day, reports, and plans for tomorrow
  • Cinema de la plage 9pm each night

Friday, May 22

Saturday, May 23

Sunday, May 24

  • Students check out of hostel and are free to return home or travel.