Course Details

The 4-credit hour Humanities II course is required for Geneseo students, but also satisfies the Western Civilization general education requirement of SUNY.  This course is held in Paris, France, one of the world's greatest cultural centers, and the home of some of history's most impressive art and literature.  The program runs in July and August (dates vary from year to year).  Students study western literature, history, culture, and institutions primarily through great works of Western European thought from 1600 to the present.  In Paris, emphasis is laid on the French contributions to western civilization, complemented by trips to selected sites of particular interest, guest lecturers, and specialized guides.  Students also have the opportunity to explore Paris and surrounding areas on their own.

Students will spend two days in the Belgian city of Ypres, as well as three days in Normandy, where they will visit Caen, the D-Day landing beaches, and other WW II sites.  They may also opt for an overnight trip to the famous Loire Valley to visit some of the royal châteaux.

The Setting

One of the world's great capitals, Paris was founded before the Romans invaded Europe.  The architecture of Paris is a tribute to its rich and glorious past, from the medieval cathedral of Notre-Dame to the Centre Pompidou, a testament to French creativity.  The city is famous for its picturesque neighborhoods, like the Latin Quarter and Montmartre, as well as its wide avenues, like the Champs-Elysées.

Paris is also a city of over 200 art galleries and a vivid cultural life.  An efficient public transportation system makes exploring this magnificent city quite easy.  Safe, reliable, and inexpensive rail, road, and air systems put Paris within a few hours reach of all western European countries.

Housing and Meals

Students will live in student housing, close to the Latin Quarter, with private bath.  The program cost also covers breakfast and one main meal per day, even on the road trips.