A Writer's Paris

1 of 1, Street view of Presence Africaine Bookstore

Paris, France

Overview

FACULTY LEADER

Parrish Professor Camille F. Forbes is an Associate Professor in the Department of Literature, UC San Diego, and Director of the MFA Program in Writing. Professor Forbes’s research background is in African American Literature and Culture, although she now teaches a variety of classes in the Writing major, (soon to be known as Literary Arts), including short fiction, personal narrative/memoir, and creative nonfiction, in addition to freshman and senior seminars on performing standup comedy. She is author of the biography, Introducing Bert Williams: Burnt Cork, Broadway, and the Story of America’s First Black Star, and is currently working on a historical novel set during the U.S. Civil War. For Professor Forbes, it is thrilling to teach undergraduate students as they discover the pleasures of creative writing and the process of finding their voice. She is a big fan of UC San Diego Global Seminars, having been for years a major supporter of study abroad in general and the Global Seminars program in particular. She is delighted to lead students as they discover “A Writer’s Paris.”

ACADEMIC FOCUS

LTEN 185GS: Themes in African American Literature: Writers in Paris (draft syllabus, DEI approval pending)
LTWR 100GS: Short Fiction: Fearless Creating (draft syllabus)

WHY YOU SHOULD GO

This Global Seminar, “A Writer’s Paris,” focuses on the experiences—and works—of African American writers in Paris, as well as enrolled students’ own journeys in the city as creative writers. For centuries, Paris has been a hotbed of creativity, with literary, visual, and musical artists from all over the world traveling there to study and live; today Paris is among the most visited cities in the world. During this Global Seminar, we will not only walk the paths of famous 20th-century writers, but also make our own discoveries as 21st-century writers. Paris will be a source of inspiration as we delve into exploration of the city as “flâneurs,” walking the city seemingly aimlessly, but in our case, with the express purpose of fueling our creativity. In the process, you may discover a corner of the city to call your own. Our field trips will include museums, cafes, city walks, and a range of other experiences meant to awaken the senses!

WHO SHOULD GO?

Anyone! Students need no background; the classes have no prerequisites. Students who have an interest in literature and creative writing and who wish to travel and explore a diverse and fascinating city should apply! Both classes in this seminar may be able to be used as general education courses. LTEN 185GS, Themes in African American Literature, may fulfill the DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) requirement, as well as the regional specialization at ERC; the “Literary Narratives” category at Muir; the “Cultural Diversity” requirement for Warren College; and the Narrative, Aesthetic and Historical Reasoning requirement at Sixth College. LTWR 100GS “Short Fiction: Fearless Creating” has been verified as meeting the Art-Making GE requirement for Sixth College, as well as the Upper-Division writing requirements for Thurgood Marshall College, and ERC. Additionally, these courses fulfill requirements for majors and minors in the Literature Department.

Consult your academic advisor to determine officially how the courses will apply to your graduation requirements.

Information Sessions

Thursday, Feb 9 at 5:00 - 6:30 pm
Register here for the live Zoom link and/or to get the post-session recording

See the Info Session Calendar

DATES

Departure from U.S.:	Sat., July 1, 2023
Arrival:	Sun., July 2, 2023
Mandatory Orientation:	Mon., July 3, 2023
First Day of Class:	Tue., July 4, 2023
Last Day of Class:	Fri., August 4, 2023
Departure for the U.S. (or personal travel):	Sat., August 5, 2023

ARRIVAL INFORMATION

Do not purchase plane tickets until the program is confirmed. All approved applicants will be notified by e-mail when the program has been confirmed by reaching minimum enrollment.
Because of the evolving COVID-19 situation, when you do buy tickets, we strongly encourage you to purchase refundable plane tickets or flight cancellation insurance.
We strongly encourage you to make your flight arrangements to arrive during the window of time specified in order to utilize the program shuttle airport pick up. Times will be clarified in spring.
Consider purchasing carbon offsets for your flight through your airline.
The Study Abroad Office will be hosting several flight workshops to provide tips and advice on flight purchases. Check the Study Abroad Calendar for more information.
Our overseas partner requires that all students be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to participate in this program. The provider will request verification during the pre-departure process. No refunds will be given for failure to comply.

Program Details

Fees and Funding

Academic Excursions