Paris through its Monuments + Museums

Shezana Kraguly

The rich cultural and historical heritage of Paris is explored in this course, as it has come down to us through the ages: from the Antique period to the present day through a dynamic program of venturing into the city to learn about its cultural resources.

Social, political and economic changes have been paralleled by scientific, philosophical and artistic developments. For centuries there has been a passion for change and renewal, most clearly of all in the visual arts. Students will learn to read with their eyes and experience works of art in person; analyzing various complex artworks; visiting historic sites, monuments and museums; and considering the city's remarkable urban development and contributions to architecture and design.

Focus is on several historically organized sections: the classical Roman tradition; the development of Romanesque and Gothic art in France; the royal and imperial patrimony from the 17th to the 19th centuries; the achievements of the Parisian avant-gardes from the end of the 19th century until the Second World War; and, finally, postmodern Paris.

This course is no longer open for registration. You may be interested in Intro to Painting, a painting course that explores various techniques and involves many field trips throughout the city of Paris.