Center: 
Paris
Discipline(s): 
Art History
Course code: 
AH 305
Terms offered: 
Fall
Credits: 
3
Language of instruction: 
French
Instructor: 
Mme Renée Moll
Description: 

The aim of the course is to study and analyze Parisian architecture and city planning through an examination of the different architectural styles from the Renaissance up through the present day. By the end of the course, students should have a firm grasp of the urban makeup of Paris throughout the ages and an understanding of the problems of designing and constructing new buildings in a city where all historical periods and styles are represented.

Prerequisites: 

Good knowledge of French

Method of presentation: 

Lecture, discussion, site-visits and walking tours

LANGUAGE OF PRESENTATION: French

Required work and form of assessment: 

Breakdown of final grade:
1. Term paper reflecting the student's ability to analyze architectural styles (25%)
2. Individual or group oral presentation showing a general understanding of modern urban space and architectural and urban planning problems of European capitals ( 25%)
3. Mid-term exam (25%)
4. Final exam (25%)

content: 

Modern-day Paris has been shaped not only by its inhabitants’ relationship with the city but also by political forces and forms of government- royal, imperial, republican. As with architecture and painting, the city itself is a potential object of study and analysis. In order to better understand certain contemporary issues and conflicts, three different approaches will be used:

1. Historical: Basic concepts of architecture and town planning (16th to 18th centuries) are presented in order to provide vital background knowledge, particularly with regard to architectural styles of past eras. This introduction takes approximately one month.
2. Interactive: Student in-class presentations can be either an individual or group project on Parisian architecture- classic or contemporary. Using personal slides and sketches, students attempt to define perceived styles of Parisian architecture or, more generally, urban planning.
3. Reflective: Students write a research paper on a theme of their choice from the 16th to the 18th centuries (architecture, town-planning, parks, gardens, etc.)

Required readings: 

Lavedan, Pierre, ed. Monuments de France. Arthaud.
Couperie, Pierre, ed. Paris au fil du temps. Joel Cuenot.