Jazz in Paris
Paris, France
Faculty Leader
David Borgodborgo@ucsd.edu
David Borgo is a saxophonist, ethnomusicologist and Professor of Music at UC San Diego. He teaches in the Integrative Studies and Jazz and Music of the African Diaspora programs. Throughout his career, David has integrated his creative work with scholarly research focused on the social, cultural, historical and cognitive dimensions of music-making. His book, Sync or Swarm: Improvising Music in a Complex Age, won the Alan P. Merriam Prize in 2006 from the Society for Ethnomusicology, and was published in revised version in 2022. As a saxophonist, David has released twelve CDs and one DVD of his original music, and he has performed in Europe, Asia, Africa, and North, Central, and South America. “Borgo has the history of the music down pat,” writes Frank Rubolino for allaboutjazz. “He touches on the past, teases with the future, but mainly speaks in the present tense.”
Courses
- MUS 8GS: American Music: Jazz Between the World Wars (PDF draft syllabus)
- MUS 150GS: Jazz and the Music of the African Diaspora (PDF draft syllabus)
- Class Schedule (PDF draft)
Why you should go
Paris (the home of revolutions in art, politics, fashion, food, and more!) was the first region outside of the United States to embrace and promote jazz. African American musicians and entertainers began performing in Paris in the early 1900s, and after World War I many African American expatriates—including notable writers, artists, entertainers, and musicians—created a "Second Harlem" in the neighborhoods of Montparnasse and Montmartre. We spend the summer following in their footsteps, exploring how and why jazz was so enthusiastically received by Parisians between the wars and after, and how the music has become a symbol of the potential and struggle for freedom, democracy, and diversity worldwide.
Our in-class discussions, films, guests, and live music will be extended through weekly excursions to the Parisian nightclubs, restaurants, concert venues, and cafes that have established Paris as an incomparable home for contemporary jazz.
The ability to speak French or read music is not necessary—a passion to learn about Jazz in Paris is required!
Who should go
In addition to providing a thought-provoking perspective into American history and French culture, the two courses offered on this program may satisfy a multitude of UC San Diego graduation requirements.
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Music 8GS may be able to be used to satisfy the fine arts requirement in ERC, Marshall, Muir, and Revelle Colleges. It is also pre-approved for the campus-wide Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion requirement.
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Music 150GS may satisfy your college upper-division “significant writing” requirement and counts toward the music major or minor. It is has also been approved for the Sixth College Experiential Learning Requirement.
Consult your academic advisor to determine officially how the courses will apply to your graduation requirements.
Information Sessions
- Wednesday, October 30, 5-6:30 pm
- Register here for the live Zoom link, and/or to get the post-session recording.
Dates
| Departure from U.S.: | Sun., August 3, 2025 |
|---|---|
| Arrival: | Mon., August 4, 2025 |
| Mandatory Orientation: | Mon., August 4, 2025 |
| First Day of Class: | Mon., August 4, 2025 |
| Last Day of Class: | Fri., September 5, 2025 |
| Departure for the U.S. (or personal travel): |
Sat., September 6, 2025 |
Flight Information
- You will be responsible for purchasing your own airplane tickets, and your program coordinator will provide guidelines and resources during the pre-departure process to help you find an appropriate flight.
- Do not purchase plane tickets until the program is confirmed. All approved applicants will be notified by e-mail when the program has reached minimum enrollment.
Global Seminar Fees
All fees subject to change. See https://summersession.ucsd.edu/tuition/tuition.html for current tuition and campus-based fees.
| UCSD | Other UC | Non-UC | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Program Cost: (includes $500 administrative fee) |
TBD | TBD | TBD |
| Estimated Tuition and Campus-Based Fees: |
$2,514.43 | $2,564.43 | $3,454.43 |
| Total: (not including airfare or personal expenses) |
TBD | TBD | TBD |
Budget Sheet
- 2025 Jazz in Paris budget sheet (pdf) - coming soon!
Funding Options
See the funding options page to learn how financial aid and scholarships can help you pay for this program.
Museums and Historical Sites:
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Museums and Historical Sites:
- Entrance to four jazz concerts (at Parisian jazz venues such as the Duc des Lombards, Le Baiser Salé, Sunset-Sunside, Café Laurant, Cave du 38 Riv, Caveau de la Huchette, le Piano Vache, Swan Bar, etc.)
- Two site visits to historical cafes (lunch included) at locations such as
- Café de Flore
- Les Deux Magots in Saint Germain
- Le Saint-Jean (Jazz restaurant/café)
- Two guided walking Tours
- Montmartre (includes guest lecture)
- Montparnasse
Excursions are subject to change without prior notice. No refunds are possible.
Housing
- Students will be housed in either student housing or local apartments with four or five other USCD students. There is a bathroom and kitchenette in each apartment.
- Our program partner will accept roommate requests during the pre-departure process. Roommate requests cannot be guaranteed and must be mutual. Each student must request the other student in writing separately.
- Internet access included.
- Access to public transportation.
- Fans available for pick up from the CEA CAPA Center (1 per bedroom)
- Housing arrangements are subject to change based on local circumstances without prior notice. No price adjustments are possible.
Included Meals
- Welcome group meal
- Farewell group meal
Classroom and Computer Access
- Courses will be taught at the CEA Paris Center in the Marais District
- Computer lab and wifi available
- Laptop plug-in stations located in several locations in the building
- Wireless access may be intermittent due to local conditions. No refunds or price adjustments are possible.
Transportation
- Airport pickup transportation provided.
- Students will be provided an empty metro card and instructions on how to add funds to it using the user-friendly mobile app.
Phones
- Students must have cell service turned on at all times for safety purposes
- Information about local cell phone options will be provided during on-site orientation.
Insurance, Health, and Safety
- An in-depth orientation will be given after arrival, including health and safety procedures.
- Program partner staff will be available by telephone after hours.
- Students are covered by $250,000 Consolidated Health Plans (CHP) health insurance
- All students will be registered for UC travel insurance valid for program dates + 14 days cumulative.
- Students travelling more than that should obtain independent travel insurance.
