Americans in Paris 4219-SC0003
One of the defining aspects of interwar Paris was the massive influx of American expatriates, flooding the city with literature, art, and music. Writers from Gertrude Stein, Ernest Hemingway, and Ezra Pound took up residence, while many others visited to engage in the international arts community. This course will look at American literary production connected to Paris from this time to explore the various racial, gender, and political dynamics which arose. Specifically, we look at fiction, memoirs, magazines, maps, and other visual and audio materials to explore Paris as a space as it was lived by American authors active in this period.
Working methods:
- group meetings (a detailed schedule is presented to students before the first meeting by the instructors of each group).
- individual consultations with the lecturer.
- presentation of research results
Works:
- Mid-term paper
- Written work at the end of the semester
Type of course
Mode
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
Knowledge
Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the historical and cultural context of American artists' presence in Paris, including relevant artistic movements, styles, and influential figures.
Analyze the complex interplay between American and Parisian cultures, and their impact on the artistic expressions of Americans in Paris.
Critically evaluate the role of art and artists in shaping cultural narratives and identities.
Skills
Critically analyze and interpret artworks created by American artists in Paris, considering their historical, cultural, and aesthetic contexts.
Apply relevant theories and concepts to understand the motivations, challenges, and achievements of American artists in Paris.
Conduct research using appropriate methodologies to explore specific topics related to Americans in Paris.
Communicate research findings and critical analyses effectively through well-structured essays and engaging class interactions.
Social Competences
Engage in respectful dialogue and debate about the complexities of cultural exchange and artistic influence.
Collaborate effectively with peers in group projects and discussions, demonstrating openness to diverse perspectives.
Appreciate the role of art in fostering cross-cultural understanding and communication.
Reflect on the ongoing relevance of the experiences of American artists in Paris for contemporary artistic practices and cultural interactions.
Assessment criteria
30% Attendance and participation
30% Mid-term paper
40% Final paper
Bibliography
Ernest Hemingway, A Moveable Feast, The Sun Also Rises
Sylvia Beach, Shakespeare and Company
Gertrude Stein, The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas
Claude McKay, Banjo
Janet Flanner, Paris Was Yesterday
Calvin Tomkins, Living Well Is the Best Revenge
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: