A Rice Global Paris Experience: Making Modernity

#academics #studyabroad

Jack (Baker ‘27) is a Rice architecture student who recently had the opportunity to explore how the city of Paris has helped shape modern art, film and architecture. Hosted by the Rice Global Paris Center (RGP), Jack spent an incredible month in Paris seeing famous sights and connecting their ties to art history.

This summer, I had the opportunity to take a course at Rice Global Paris (RGP) called “Making Modernity in the Streets of Paris: Art, Film, and Architecture.” Taught by two art history professors from Rice University, this course was an exploration of how Paris has shaped modern art, film, and architecture. Housing was provided by Rice Global Paris for students during the three week program. There are three residential dorms that you can be assigned to, and they’re all pretty close to each other. My dorm was located off of Rue du Docteur, which was very convenient since it was close to a Métro stop! 

Depending on the plan for the day, we usually had class from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Class would typically begin with a reading presentation given by students. Then we would have a precedent presentation, which was always related to that day’s site or museum visit. The afternoons were usually reserved to see the museums or sites that we discussed in our prior reading that morning. 

A photo of the Rice Global Paris plaque.
A photo of students in the classroom in Paris.

In addition to these visits, film screenings were also an integral part of our course. We watched many old Parisian films, including “Le Haine” and “The Ladies’ Paradise,” which provided a cinematic lens through which we viewed the history of Paris. Film helped us delve deeper into the period of “industrial modernity” and highlighted the Haussmannization of Paris as well as the rise of department stores. Discussion of the dramatic reshaping of the city under Napoleon III led to visits to iconic sites like the Eiffel Tower and the broad, tree-lined avenues of the Champs-Élysées. 

One of my favorite site visits was the walking tour we did in the vibrant neighborhood of Montmartre. Known not only for its bohemian past, Montmartre was also a sanctuary for famous artists like Picasso and Dali. As I walked through this arrondissement with its quaint cafes and robust art scene, I felt a connection to its artistic heritage. Another memorable experience was visiting the Musee d’Orsay, where I saw the masterpieces of Monet, Van Gogh and Cézanne.

Rice students watching an old Parisian film.
Students on a walking tour in Montmartre.

Every day after class depending on where we would end up, my friends and I would find a cafe or a dessert shop to sit as a group and do our readings. This experience really made me feel like a Parisian!

On the weekends, I had the freedom and time to further explore Paris and nearby cities. I did a deeper dive into the Le Marais neighborhood and observed how medieval architecture has been transformed into modern boutiques, and I was also able to spend time wandering around the Louvre. One weekend, I even took a train to Lyon to watch a Coldplay concert!

Students walking around in Paris with their professor.
A photo of an outdoor sculpture in Paris.

One of my favorite parts of the trip was the opportunity to try many foods and desserts of different varieties. Paris really is THE city with THE best food. One of the craziest experiences that I have ever had in my life was waking up at 7 a.m. one morning to line up outside of a bakery for an hour to buy a Michelin-starred croissant.

Reflecting on my experience, this program has significantly enriched my understanding of how art, film, and architecture are not just reflections of culture, but also powerful tools that can shape societal norms and urban landscapes. It was a memorable academic experience for me, but also a personal voyage that I came away from with a better understanding of Paris and the Parisian lifestyle.

- Jack, Baker '27 (Published on 10/9/2024)

A photo of a Michelin-starred croissant.
A photo of the Arc de Triomphe.
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