Studies in Paris

reid hall garden with sign "dans ce jardin on parle français"

Undergraduate students from Columbia and other US colleges and universities may spend one or two semesters at Reid Hall, Columbia’s program in Paris. Reid Hall offers several courses in literature, art history, history, and political science. Reid Hall students are also offered the opportunity to take courses in the French university system.

 

Drawing upon the resources of the city, students gain both the knowledge and the confidence necessary to live and communicate in a French-speaking environment. They refine their French language skills while pursuing their own academic and personal aspirations in a program that is both flexible and extremely supportive.

All students take a total of 5 courses, which combine advanced language training with electives in the arts, sciences, social sciences and humanities. Depending on their French level and academic background, they may pursue classes that contribute towards requirements at their home school in a variety of disciplines.  By offering both linguistic and methodological support, the program gives students all the necessary tools and skillsets to set them up for success in the French university system.  With a bit of advanced planning, many of the courses they take can be applied to the major or concentration.

Students who need to fulfill requirements for the majors in French Language and Literature or French and Francophone Studies may do so in Paris by enrolling in courses in the French university system, at the Sorbonne (Paris IV) or Paris VII.

The program in Paris also offers 1-2 global core classes every semester focusing on issues related to race and/or gender.

Finally, while in Paris, students have the opportunity to complete their Art or Music Humanities requirement. Courses consist of a combination of classroom contact hours along with numerous excursions and/or concerts in and around Paris.

This program is a great way to spend some time in Paris over the summer while earning credit that may apply to the majors or concentrations. The program offers a great deal of flexibility depending on the student’s language level, goals, and interests.

All classes in the summer use the context of Paris as a basis for the courses.  Whatever they are studying, students will be out in the city seeing the things they are discussing in class and learning firsthand how the Parisians collectively approach the world.  There are courses offered in both English and French that may apply to the majors/concentrations.