Fluctuat Nec Mergitur: Key Moments in The History of Paris

Catalog description

This survey course on the history of Paris from its earliest human settlement to the present day explores the history of the people, immigration and events that have shaped the contemporary city and the role of Paris in constructing French political and cultural identity. Fluctuat nec mergitur: "tossed by the waive but does not sink", the motto of Paris shows the resilience of the city though history and adversity. This course seeks to present the role of Paris in the global history of France and how the city testifies to the hardships and the glory of its past. It also aspires to challenge some preconceived ideas surrounding the city and its main reputation as a global capital of art and literature presenting Paris as a capital of technology, scientific developments, and sustainability. The course will be mostly crafted around weekly visits to cultural sites (museums, monuments, hotel particulier, guided district walking tours). It will also include seminars, research, and collaborative workshops.