Spring, 2008
2:10-3:25 Monday and Wednesday
GOALS AND VISIONS
The purpose of this course is to comprehend, criticize, and appreciate some of the great works of Paris. Humanities 375 is the biography of a city, the story of her sources, resources, achievements and failures, changing phases and permanent nature.
Our theme will be the intellectual, artistic, and social elements in the character of Paris. The subjects of this theme will include great works that embody and symbolize the contributions of the people of Paris to human culture.
During the semester we will study writing from and about the people and places of Paris, from the love and theology of Hugo's Notre Dame to the tortured fantasies of Baudelaire's Paris Spleen. We will see the struggle between order and freedom in the paintings of Gérôme and Monet, in the sculpture of Rodin, in the music of Perotinus and Debussy. We will explore the splendid and brutal history of her streets: the bold building and savage destruction, Gustave Eiffel and Emperor Napoleon, the Cathedral of Notre Dame and the Temple of Reason.
There will be some lectures on crucial points of Parisian history. But "Biography of a City: Paris" is a humanities study, not a history course. We will concentrate, not so much on what went into the making of Paris, but what came out of her creative energies.
And finally, we will seek to understand one of the central mysteries of any person or place worth knowing:
What is the nature of the soul of this city?
* * * * * * *
For a multimedia overview of the nature of this course, see:
THE FOUR SIGNATURE BUILDINGS OF PARIS
For a review of some of the PowerPoint presentations in this course, see:
WORK AND EVALUATION
Mid-Term Examination: Wednesday, March 19
Final Examination: May 19
Only written medical excuses are allowed for missing an examination. No make-up tests will be given.
Web page or essay on any French work in the Palace of the Legion of Honor or the Haggin Museum (Stockton)
Percentages:
Mid-term examination: 30%
Final Examination: 60%
Essay/Website: 10%
Percentages are approximate.
Other
factors, such as class participation, may also figure into the final grade.
READINGS:
DATE BOOK
Feb. 7 LA ROCHEFOUCAULD, Maims and the Maxims of Madame de Sable´
Feb. 12 MOLIERE, The Misanthrope (Note: we will watch a film of the play in class)
March 5 BALZAC, Old Goriot
April 7 BAUDELAIRE, Paris Spleen(selections)
May 7 HEMINGWAY, A Moveable Feast
FILMS and VIDEOS
In case you miss one of the films shown in class, or want to review them, here are some of the titles and A/V numbers. The films can be previewed in the Media Access Center (J. Paul Leonard Library, 3rd floor). NOTE: there are some films shown that are NOT available in the library; for these, you will have to get notes about them from classmates if you miss the screening.
The Sun King -- # 80286
The Misanthrope -- # 82429
Jacques-Louis David: The Passing Show -- # 80578
Napoleon at Austerlitz -- # 86134
PARIS WEB RESOURCES
Pariscope -- the best guide to what's happening in Paris every week. Costs less than $1, and has everything.
Paris -- the official city website; badly needs updating, however
Paris-Anglo -- a site for English-speaking visitors
Vacation Rentals for Apartments in Paris -- great service: descriptions, pictures, and direct contact with the apartment owner. I rented an apartment from a man who lives in Tucson, and the arrangements were hassle-free.
THE PROF RECOMMENDS...
"I know about all the famous monuments and places ," you say. "So tell me about some special ones that YOU recommend." OK, here are my tips.
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The Official Motto of Paris
("Fluctuat Nec Mergitur" = "It tosses but it does not sink.")
Professor
Arthur Chandler
Office: HUM 409
Phone: 338-1099
email: arthurc@sfsu.edu
Office Hours: MW 11:15-12:15