France

In a process of progressive construction of the knowledge, fields, sources and methods of the history of contemporary worlds, the introduction to the history of the 20th century constitutes an essential second stage. While the history of the 20th century is traditionally approached from the top, i.e. national and international institutions, democratic and totalitarian political regimes, and economic and social theories, and while it is primarily marked by the two world wars and the tensions of international economic crises, it must also be approached from the bottom, at the level of societies and individuals. The course studies the common experiences, cooperation, and exchanges that have developed in different areas over a long twentieth century.

This course explores topics of machine learning and deep learning, examining both the foundations and applications of the topics. Starting with the basics of how to pre-process data, the course then ventures into linear models. Further topics include cross validation, support vector machines, kernels, regularization, boosting, bootstrap aggregating, and stacking.

This introductory graphic design course provides students with a foundational understanding of key principles and essential tools in visual design. Combining practical exercises with some theoretical insights, students explore the basics of composition, typography, color theory, and design principles while gaining an understanding of graphic design's role in contemporary communication. Set in Paris, one of the world’s design and cultural capitals, this course offers an immersive experience in the city’s rich visual history and vibrant contemporary design scene. Paris itself serves as a dynamic classroom, with inspiration drawn from its iconic architecture, art, fashion, museums, and daily life. Students have the unique opportunity to engage with the city's visual environment and incorporate it into their creative projects. The course introduces industry-standard software, including Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, with a focus on applying these tools to personal creative work. Beyond technical skills, students are encouraged to think conceptually about their designs, fostering critical and creative approaches to their projects.

Queer histories situate the emergence of queer identities and subcultures in turn of the century European urban centers. Yet these were shaped by a more global context, in which imperialism and Orientalism were central. To understand this, the course first reads texts which explore the intersections of histories of imperialism and histories of gender and sexuality. It then focuses on Orientalism and racism in queer representations. In a third part, it turns to studies which highlight the importance of travel and encounters for queer experiences. A fourth part addresses the question of silences and absences in the archive, and scholarly approaches to tackling these. Finally, the course turns to primary sources and analyzes them, drawing on the ideas developed throughout the course.

This course offers a comprehensive examination of the dynamic interplay between religious freedom and secularism in the diverse cultural landscape of the Americas. From the early colonial encounters to the contemporary socio-political debates, it explores the complex interactions between religion, state, and society in shaping the religious and secular identities of the Americas. Competing understandings of religious freedom and secularism in human rights (what they are, what they should be, and how they operate) are examined. The course is organized into two sections each with a distinctive set of themes: the first section focuses on the conceptual approaches to religious freedom and secularism in the Americas, including historical context. The second section focuses on the circulation of ideas among the continent and beyond, by exploring the transnational impact of politics of religious freedom and secularism in the world.

This course presents our planet and its specific features within the solar system and the Universe, as well as its genesis and evolution. The lessons focus on the Earth system, the structure, nature, and dynamics of its solid and fluid envelopes, as well as certain major cycles: the water cycle and the carbon cycle. It also covers the different quantitative and qualitative methods of geological time.

This course presents scientific methods of analysis and develops a better knowledge of grammatical constructions and constraints across languages through linguistic analysis exercises. It also provides a good understanding of the division of "tasks" between the different components of grammar, as well as the link between syntax and morphology on the one hand, and between syntax and semantics on the other.

This course includes the production of short films created within small groups. It covers adaptation of scripts for filming, casting and rehearsals with the actors; location scouting and choice of sets; technical choices for filming and sound recording; and organization of a shoot. 

This course introduces the field of California Studies in its plurality, combining elements of literary and film studies, notions and texts from civilization studies, as well as cultural studies. Starting from the question of what constitutes a “Studies” discipline, it then examines specific works and documents – literature, film, essays, and poetry – that provide insight into the specificities of California culture and its representation. Sometimes trivialized, California has a significant place in the spheres of cultural, artistic, and economic development which has had a vast impact on not only American but also Western and global cultures. Californian representations and themes are often a perfect paradox of dominant and subcultural elements, and the course explores several works and aspects of this construction. As such, it is a perfect laboratory through which to ask broader questions about culture and cultural productions. Authors studied range from Richard Henry Dana to Kem Nunn to Frederick Kohner, and films include titles such as the independent film Humboldt County (2008). In keeping with the Puissance du mode minor thematic, not only odes the course explore this smaller Studies discipline but it also looks at alternative positions in the examination of the works discussed. Students are also encouraged to explore works or concepts linked to the topic and to relate them to their own fields of emerging specialization. This is a seminar rather than a lecture, and active participation in discussions and various activities is expected.