You will enroll in two courses, each for one credit. Classes will be taught exclusively in French. Students must register for both courses. No pass/fail option or auditing is permitted for either course. 

Students must have at least a B average in French and be qualified to take 300 level French courses. Students may have fulfilled this requirement either through course work at the college level or through advanced placement testing.

FRENCH 345A 
Aspects of Contemporary French Culture
(CCI, CZ, FL) 1.0 Credit
Instructor: Professor Christelle Gonthier

This course is an exploration of the idea of a French “je ne sais quoi” and some of the social, cultural, and literary determinants of that perception. In order to better understand this French peculiarity, we will establish a conversation between today’s France and the eighteenth-century France through a series of texts, videos, sociological documents, as well as visits to museums and cafés. Discussion topics will include sociability, the use of language, the art of conversation, culinary trends, aesthetic norms as well as the luxury industry. In the manner of 18th century salons, this course will encourage critical analysis and an exchange of ideas. We will therefore study the art of oral and written expression in order to give students the tools to communicate with precision and ease.

FRENCH 346AS 
Paris, Ville Monde
(ALP, CCI, FL) 1.0 Credit
Instructor: Prof. Anne-Gaelle Saliot

This course will investigate the representations and images of Paris in French and Francophone literature and cinema from the interwar years to the present days. During our exploration of the material and imaginary geography of Paris, we will make excursions into the interstitial spaces of the city, from the hidden arcades to the "banlieue parisienne," across its "quartiers," and through the "non-lieux" of modernity. Our "traversée de Paris" will also include films and photographs. 

Note: We encourage Duke in Paris students to think of themselves not as tourists, but as residents of the city. To improve both their cultural and linguistic fluency, students will sign a “language pledge” at the beginning of the program.

The activities and excursions on this program are an integral part of your cultural experience; therefore attendance is required. Activities on this program may include:

• Museum visits
• Cooking class
• Concert at the Philharmonie de Paris
• Tour of a national newspaper

You will also have the opportunity to experience different regions of France, as the program includes a 3-day trip to Provence, and a 2-day trip to Normandy/Britany. During these weekend excursions, all participants will stay at local hotels (double/triple/quad rooms). Breakfasts, visits and transportation are included.

The program will provide a Paris transportation starter kit to each participant, valid on bus and métro. Students will be responsible for refilling their starter pass as needed.

Before applying to this program, you should assess and determine if you are physically or emotionally able to participate in the following physical demands required by some of this program’s activities:

• Walking or hiking up to 5 miles in a day, sometimes for two or more days in a row, sometimes on hilly, uneven, or cobbled terrain
• Climbing and descending stairs
• Using public transportation, including sometimes crowded buses or trains)
• Standing during tours and site visits
• Entering into older buildings with narrow and sometimes steep staircases, at times with limited or no access to elevators
• The possibility of warm/hot temperatures while residing in locations without air conditioning

If you have questions or are concerned about these or any other program activities, please contact the Duke Office of Global Health and Safety (oghs@duke.edu).

All students will live with French families, located within Paris proper, equipped with internet access, and near metro lines. Homestays include daily breakfast and a limited number of dinners per week.

Exact housing placements will be given to participants upon arrival.

Attendance is required at all classes, excursions, and group events. Given the intense nature of this program, late arrival and/or early departure is not permitted.

• US Departure: May 12, 2025
• Arrival: May 13, 2025
• Departure: June 25, 2025