Fall Break in France:
Paris: Capital of Modernity

Program Overview

Paris has long been an icon of urban modernity and as such, it has served as a model for cities around globe. Well known for its historic firsts, the “City of Light” remains a center for creativity and experimentation. What did, and does, it mean to be “modern”?

This immersive Intensive Course Abroad (ICA) introduces participants to the influential conceptions of modernity manifested in the art, architecture, and urban planning of France’s capital city, Paris. Chronologically, the ICA’s focus will be on the 19th- and 20th- century city, starting with the major works of Baron Haussmann, but on-site explorations will consider later 20th- and 21st-century urban interventions designed to facilitate the modernization or architecture and city dwelling. Themes addressed throughout the experience will include public services and hygiene, landscape architecture and leisure, historic preservation, sustainability, and colonialism.
 
While in Paris, students will walk the city’s iconic avenues and parks and visit its major cultural monuments and museums, including the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, Paris Sewer Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Eiffel Tower, Institute du Monde Arabe, and the Cité d’Architecture. Short day trips to Versailles, St. Denis, and Poissy will allow students to engage other buildings and sites of great significance from architectural and interior design perspectives. Students will also tour modern eco-districts (including La Défense, &c.) and green buildings, such as La Recyclerie, to gain an understanding of contemporary sustainability practices in Paris. Students will have some free time to explore the city independently as well.
 
At the program’s conclusion, students will have successfully:
1. Cultivated a familiarity with Parisian history and built environments;
2. Considered the meaning and development of modernity through built environments (appearance, function, construction, &c.);
3. Communicated clearly and effectively about historic and contemporary built environments based on reading, personal observation, and group activities on site;
4. Managed personal explorations and experiences within the urban environment independently;
5. Produced required materials for assessment, including a substantive piece of written work, in accordance with course guidelines and communicated expectations.

Academics

Credit/Registration: Students will be registered for the summer course ARCH 347 Paris: Capital of Modernity for 3 credits. The course satisfies the History/Theory in the architectural curriculum and humanities for other majors. Students must leave room for the 3 credits in their summer credit load.

Pre-requisites: ARCH 143 or INTR 200 or ARTH 103 [all Min Grade: C-] (open to all class standings)

Instructors
Daniel E. Coslett, Ph.D. dcoslett@drexel.edu
URBN Center (3501 Market Street) 4A20G

Antonio Martinez-Molina, Ph.D. am5327@drexel.edu
URBN Center (3501 Market Street) 4A20B

Pre-Travel Summer Classes: attendance mandatory on June 26th; August 7th, 14th, and 21st

Program Calendar

Required Summer Term Classes: June 26th; August 7th, 14th, and 21st

Arrival:       September 8, 2025
Departure: September 18, 2025
*Students may extend their travel independently before or after program dates.

Itinerary Overview

Days will consist of morning (AM) and afternoon (PM) sessions, which will run from approximately 8:30– 12:30 and 2:00–6:00, respectively. Unless otherwise noted, all meals are independent of group activities (and at the expense of students). More detailed information will be provided for each day, including meeting locations, departure time, planned activities, etc.)

The schedule below is subject to change if necessitated by circumstances.

Day 1: Arrivals
On-site orientation
Welcome dinner

Day 2: Haussmann, the Flâneur, and 19th-century Paris
Group walk (Louvre to Rue de Rivoli to Galerie Vivienne to Place de l’Opéra)
Tour of the Palais Garnier
Paris Sewer Museum visit
Group walk (Champs-Elysées to Arc de Triomphe to Place de la Concorde)
 
Day 3: The Anciène Régime
Trip and tour of Versailles (charter bus)
Group lunch (location TBD)
Trip and tour of St. Denis Abbey Church
 
Day 4: Iconic Architecture
Cité d’Architecture museum visit
Walk to Eiffel Tower (optional visit)
Tour of Notre Dame Cathedral
Île de la Cité walk
 
Day 5: Urban Squares and Transportation
Place des Vosges
Place Vendôme
Palais Royale
Gare du Nord visit
Musée D’Orsay visit
 
Day 6: Museum Visit Day (student’s choice!)
Student choice museum visit and otherwise free time

Day 7: Iconic Art
Visit the Louvre
Visit the Centre Pompidou

Day 8: Le Corbusier the House as a Machine for Living
Trip to Poissy (public transit) and tour of Villa Savoy
Group lunch (location TBD)
Visit and tour Maison la Roche museum
 
Day 9: Colonial/Post-colonial Paris
Musée des Colonies visit (exterior)
1930 Colonial Expo fair site visit
Paris Grand Mosque visit
Institute du Monde Arab visit
 
Day 10: Contemporary Sustainability
La Défense visit
Clichy-Batignolles
La Recyclerie visit
Halle Pajol
Departure dinner (location TBD)
 
Day 11: Departures
Free time (no scheduled activities)
Final Project prospectus/draft due before departure from Paris (via Blackboard)

September 29, 2025
Final Projects due 11:59 PM (via Blackboard)

October 9, 2025 (6:00–7:30)
Final Reflections and Course Conclusion

Program Fee: $2,730

-Due May 1st: $500 Advance Payment + $25 Application Fee
-Due July 1st: $2,230   Final Payment
*All payments are non-refundable unless declined admission or program cancels for unforeseen reasons.

Included in Program Fee:

• Quad occupancy accommodations for 10 nights
• On-site transit
• Entrees fees for program tours and activities
• Several group meals including 2 lunches and 2 dinners at special venues
• On Call Emergency Assistance & Health Insurance

Not Included in Program Fee (Estimated):

• Airfare $1100 from PHL; $600 from EWR
• Passport $165
• Entry Visa $10 (if applicable)
• Course materials $70
• Meals $320
• Airport transfer $40
• Museum entry of choice $15
• Spending money $200

More Information

• A visitors visa (ETIAS) for US Citizens entering the European Union may be necessary starting mid-2025. Other nationalities must verify requirement on the France Embassy website what type (if any) visa is required.

• The ICA Faculty Leaders will provide a suggested flight itinerary. Students are responsible for booking their own airfare.