F&M in Paris
F&M in Paris is a full-semester program which takes place in Paris, France in the fall semester of each year. This program is designed to provide students with insider European perspectives on culture and society. Coursework enables students to cultivate language skills to the point where they become useful in discussion and research. F&M in Paris develops practical skills: cross-cultural understanding, communication, and critical thinking for an era of globalization.
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Eligibility
F&M in Paris aims to develop French-language skills. It is intended for students who wish to increase their linguistic abilities in French, but who may not be advanced enough to enroll in a program in which all courses are given in French.
This program is intended for current sophomores and juniors who have had one or two years of college-level French or the equivalent by the time they attend the program. To be eligible students must either complete French 101 and at least be enrolled in French 102; have fulfilled the F&M language requirement in French; or demonstrate an equivalent level of preparation in French.
Preference will be given to applicants demonstrating an on-going commitment to improving French language skills (e.g. through current enrollment in French classes). Applicants must be in good academic and disciplinary standing.
Coursework
Two of the program's courses are taught by Professor Whiteside. The remaining courses are taught by our affiliate institution, the American University of Paris (AUP). Each course is worth 1 F&M credit. Classes will take place at AUP (seventh arrondissement). Some classes will take place around Paris, in the form of special tours or visits to museums and institutions. There will also be two group excursions outside of Paris.
International Studies 273: Cross-Perceptions France-USA (taught in English by Professor Whiteside)
In this seminar, students will examine how Europeans and Americans view each other -- and how those differing perceptions reveal contrasting values regarding such matters as the place of competition and security in life, the development of aesthetic judgment, and the nature of individualism. On-site analysis of cultural monuments is part of this class.
Government 322: French Government and Politics (taught in English by Professor Whiteside)
In this course, students explore the evolution of the French Fifth Republic, focusing on its unique structure of executive power, the reduced role of parliament, the changing party system, the role of the state in the economy, and French environmental policy. Special emphasis is placed on explaining why presidential leadership waned from de Gaulle to Chirac.
French Language and Conversation
Students will continue their study of French at a level appropriate to their placement at the beginning of the program (this may be FRN 201, 205 or in some cases, higher). The objective is to boost language skills quickly, so that students can engage in discussion and research in French, both in the program and afterwards. In addition to regular classroom hours, this course will require additional time in conversation-development laboratories.
Elective
Students will choose one elective from the American University in Paris course catalog. Students are encouraged to choose a course that will enrich their understanding of French and European cultures. However, they are eligible to take all open courses in the AUP course catalog.
Housing & Meals
Students will live with Parisian host families in the Left Bank of Paris, within a 20-minute subway ride of program classrooms. For more information about the nature of family stays, visit the placement agency's website, http://www.atomeparis.com.
Host families provide breakfast every day and dinner three days per week. As part of the program, there will be one group dinner organized every week as well. Students are responsible for lunch every day and dinner on their own three days per week. This system allows for students to travel on weekends without double-paying for prepaid dinners. It also gives the students flexibility in planning their evenings. For non-programmed dinners, students may be able to make arrangements with host families to prepare their own meals at home, or the can eat inexpensively at French university cafeterias, or at other restaurants of their own choosing.
Cost
Students will pay F&M tuition for the fall semester plus a fee for housing. This amount includes instructional costs, housing, partial board (as described above), $750 airfare allowance, two out-of-Paris excursions (train, room, some meals), and library membership in Paris. Not included in the fee are: lunch every day, dinner three days per week, monthly subway passes, ground transfers from/to airport, visa and passport fees, books, personal travel, and cell phones.
Fall semester payments will be due according to the College's regular billing schedule.
Students on need-based financial aid will be asked to complete the Off-Campus Study Expense Planner and submit it to the Office of Financial Aid in the Spring before attending the program. Financial aid procedures are outlined in the Off-Campus Study Billing Policy.
Apply!
There are 16 places available on the program. The deadline for early admission is in October. Admission will remain open until February, or until all places are filled.
Submit your application to the Office of International Programs in the Joseph International Center, 701 College Ave. Once you receive notification of acceptance, you will be asked to pay a $400 deposit to secure your place on the program.
Direct all questions to Professor Kerry Whiteside at kerry.whiteside@fandm.edu.
