• Spend 17 days of summer in Paris!
• Study the work of philosophers such as Simone de Beauvoir and Jean-Paul Sartre in the city and spaces in which their work was penned. 
• Explore the Louvre, Versailles, and other cultural icons of France.
• Summer 2025 application deadline has been extended to 2 March!

The Philosophy in Paris Study Abroad Program is designed for students who have an interest in French philosophy, history, politics, or culture. Knowledge of the French language is not necessary for enrolling in this program. However, students studying French will have the opportunity to practice their French language skills while there. This course will give students the opportunity to explore the seminal philosophical works of major French philosophers, along with ideas that are of high concern for us today. We will do so by actually exploring Parisian libraries that were frequented by the philosophers that we are going to read; by discussing the work of these philosophers while walking through Paris following their steps; by taking themed guided tours of Paris; and by visiting culturally relevant museums and sites in Paris.

Paris, France Paris is a major cultural metropolis. The philosophical, cultural and political events that happened in Paris after WWII created a shift in the way we think of oneself and of human relationships in general. The philosophical and cultural events taking place in mid-century Paris made possible the current understanding of what it is to be a human being and what are the fundamental moral requirements for human relationships. That is what this course aims at exploring.

All participants will enroll in the following credit:

PHIL 500 (3 credits)

The course will be comprised of approximately 2 weeks in Paris according to a pre-established study- and activity-schedule. Within a month after the return to the U.S., students will submit a research paper on the subjects studied in Paris.

This course is a philosophical exploration of the moral justification of political and social violence. The historical and cultural context is France between the end of WWII and the civil unrest of May 68. Mid-century French philosophical arguments on the justification of violence are compared with recent arguments on the same topic, in the context of similar political and social phenomena, plus the newer phenomenon of terrorism. We read authors like Jean-Paul Sartre, Franz Fanon, Jacque Derrida, and also contemporary ones like Cornell West and Judith Butler, arguing for the power of non-violence. The students learn about cultural differences on the topic of the justification of violence both between historical positions, as well as contemporary positions. Students gain knowledge of and reflect upon the differences between their own attitudes on the moral justification of violence, and their readiness to act in situations of social injustice, and the attitudes and readiness to act of their mid-century French peers. Being taught in Paris, this course facilitates cultural exploration and reflection beyond its topic.

During the program, students will stay in Paris. Housing will be double or triple occupancy in either a shared apartment, hotel, or student residence.

SAGE is dedicated to creating international engagement opportunities that meet the needs of all our students and providing resources to support you through the process of studying abroad. Study abroad is achievable for students of all identities including our BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ students, students with disabilities, and students with religious/non-religious viewpoints. Before selecting a program, consider how your identities may impact your experience abroad in unique ways and talk with your Program Coordinator about any program-specific concerns. Students with documented disabilities should discuss any accommodation needs with their Program Coordinator early in the planning process.

Check our Identity Abroad page and resources listed below for information specific to you and other students who may be on your program.

    Sexual and Gender Diversity
    Students of Color Abroad
    Visible and Invisible Disabilities
    Religious, Spiritual, and Non-Religious Students
    Adult Learners and Non-Traditional Students
    First Generation Students
    Students with Children
    Students with Financial Need
    Veterans, Active Duty, and ROTC

Open to undergraduate and graduate students, second-semester freshmen and above, from any accredited US college or university who have a minimum 2.5 GPA.

Undergraduate students who participate in the Philosophy in Paris program are eligible to apply for the Jack Bricke and Hodgie Scholarship. 

Program Cost for Philosophy in Paris

Irina Symons

Lecturer
irinasymons@ku.edu
3073 Wescoe
University of Kansas
1445 Jayhawk Blvd.
Lawrence, KS 66045