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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 through Brightspace. This journal will reflect on the films, museums, and visits for the day as well as the assigned reading. (20%)
  • 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 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 7. Students are not required to take the same flight, but a suggested itinerary will be provided so that students can travel together. Your roundtrip will likely be — leaving US May 6 and returning May 26. You are welcome to come early and stay later, but accommodations are provided as specified below.

USA: May 6, 2027

Leave for Paris in the evening of Thursday, May 6, arriving Friday May 7. Suggested flights can be arranged through World Travel. TIP – The later in the day you can arrive on the 10th, the happier you will be. 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 7-10, 2027

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

Phone: +33 1 42 74 23 45

Friday, May 7 – Arrival

  • Check-in to hostel
  • On-site orientation
  • Welcome dinner – 7 pm Chez Margot, 25 Bd Henri IV, 75004 Paris, France

Saturday, May 8

  • Before class: Readings in Perusall
  • In class: discussion of early French cinema with examples from Lumière, Vigo, Guy
  • Afternoon: Cinémathèque française, 51 Rue de Bercy, M° Bercy Lignes 14 and 6

Sunday, May 9

  • Before class: Readings in Perusall
  • In class: discussion of Surrealism with examples from Bunuel, Vigo, Man Ray
  • Afternoon: Tour of Grand Rex and Musée Grevin,
  • Dinner Sunday, May 9, Le Louis-Philippe, 66, Quai de l’Hôtel de Ville, 75004

Monday, May 10 – Travel to Cannes

Cannes, May 10-23, 2027

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 11 – festival opens – orientation to Cannes and festival

Wednesday, May 12 – Day trip to Nice and Monaco

Thursday, May 13

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

Friday, May 14

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

Saturday, May 15

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

Sunday, May 16

  • Day trip to Grasse
  • Cinema de la plage 9pm each night

Monday, May 17

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

Tuesday, May 18

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

Wednesday, May 19

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

Thursday, May 20

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

Friday, May 21

  • Activities tbd
  • Festival-end celebration

Saturday, May 23

  • Train to Paris

Paris: May 23-26, 2027

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

Phone: +33 1 42 74 23 45

Saturday, May 23

  • Afternoon: visit Paris
  • Group dinner depending on train arrival time

Sunday, May 24

  • Before class: Readings in Perusall
  • In class: discussion
  • Afternoon: work on projects, visit Paris

Monday, May 25

  • In class: wrap-up and show projects
  • Group dinner

Sunday, May 26

  • Check out of hostel by 12 noon.