University of Wisconsin–Madison
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UW Film in Paris

France, Paris, UW Film in Paris

This program requires all participants be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

France, Paris

Spend your summer in the greatest city on the planet and enjoy "Film in Paris: Love & Horror in the City of Lights, Camera, Action!" How do French filmmakers depict the City of Lights? Does the city deserve its other famous moniker—the City of Love? Could it also be a City of Horror? In order to answer these questions, we will experience Paris organically, through excursions to major museums (Louvre, Pompidou, Orsay), famous film locations, historic cinemas, the Cinémathèque française, and in-class projections.

The program will be led by Professor Vlad Dima from the Department of African Cultural Studies.

Surrounded by a city full of film-lovers, the program offers a unique perspective for studying film. This program offers students the chance to live as a cinephile in Paris for four weeks through film viewing, walking tours of film sites, and visits to various art cinemas.

Learning Objectives

We have overall Goals and Expectations for Study Abroad Participants, covering the personal, academic and professional aspects of study abroad. Additionally on this program, you can:

  • Learn specialized vocabulary for describing film style and narrative
  • Explore the differences and the similarities between the French and American film industries
  • Understand the key historical factors, texts, directors, and films of the French New Wave
  • Gain knowledge about contemporary French film exhibition practices by visiting art houses, cineplexes, and the Cinémathèque Française
  • Master the historical importance of one neighborhood in Paris and lead the class on an educational tour
  • Deepen cross-cultural understanding through exposure to daily life in Paris

Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to providing quality study abroad and domestic study away programs for every UW-Madison student. We work strategically to identify, address, and remove barriers that may prevent participation and to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for students. Our staff actively engages with students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds and prioritizes the continuous development of our knowledge and cultural competence. We also recognize the importance of increasing access to study abroad for historically underrepresented student populations. We are committed to diversity and inclusion so that every student can engage with and understand their identity through a new lens and continue to develop and make progress on their personal, professional, and academic goals.

Sustainability

We recognize that the future of study abroad, domestic study away, and international internship programming requires a Commitment to Sustainability. We are devoted to examining, developing, and improving sustainability in all our endeavors, aligning with campus priorities and following through with UW-Madison's climate action and Resilience Commitment. Join our efforts and learn more about how to study abroad sustainably.

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Eligibility

  • Preference will be given to students who have previously studied French and who have completed Communication Arts 350 - Introduction to Film.

  • 2.0 cumulative GPA
  • Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior
  • Open to UW-Madison degree-seeking students only
  • Good academic and disciplinary standing
  • At the time of application and the semester prior to participation, UW-Madison students must be currently enrolled. Transfer Students to UW-Madison need to be currently enrolled at their home institution

Advising Location

Program Structure

UW Signature

Subjects

Communication Arts 313 OR
French 299

Classroom Language

English

Housing

Apartments

Program Duration

Summer: Late-May - Mid-June

Application Deadline(s)

Future durations will be posted at a later date.

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Each day, the class will meet at the Paris program center near the Bastille in the 11th arrondisement for screenings, lectures, and discussions. You will first master basic film vocabulary, then explore film history and aesthetics of three key eras in French film history: the 1920s avant-garde, the French New Wave, and contemporary cinema. You will go out into the cinemas of Paris together to view silent French films with live musical accompaniment, Hollywood classics, and contemporary films from around the world.

The overview of French film history focuses on industry history, aesthetics, and the idea of national cinema. The class will view French films (both on DVD and in Paris cinemas) from the silent era to the present. A number of classical Hollywood films that have exerted an influence on French cinema will also be shown.

All instruction and most films will be provided in English or with English subtitles. You will be required to maintain daily screening journals in which you record their observations of the films' style and narrative.

All participants will earn 4 credits in either Communication Arts 313 OR French 299.

Course Equivalents

Use the links below to see a list of courses that past students have taken on this program and the UW equivalents. Note: This list only includes pre-approved courses for your program and may not be an exhaustive list of courses, departments or equivalents. Courses may not be available the semester you are abroad. You will receive instructions on the course equivalent process after acceptance. View Course Equivalents

Program Leader

Vlad Dima

Professor, African Cultural Studies