From architecture and art history to creative writing and philosophy, these immersive seminars blend academic rigor with hands-on experiences in world-renowned cultural hubs. Engage with expert faculty, visit historic sites and museums, and refine your critical thinking and artistic expression. Whether analyzing masterpieces in world-class museums in Paris, crafting original creative writing at Yale, or studying philosophy at Oxford, these seminars provide a rich foundation for creative and intellectual growth.
- Oxford
- July 5–July 18, July 19–August 1
Delve into the multifaceted world of artificial intelligence (AI) by exploring AI’s practical applications, societal implications, and the ethical considerations that are paramount in this rapidly advancing field. Gain an understanding of the breadth of AI applications, ranging from machine learning and natural language processing to robotics and computer vision. Using case studies and current events, learn how AI is transforming industries, from healthcare and law to transportation and entertainment, and how this will continue to accelerate in the future. In this seminar, you will also critically examine the ethical dimensions of AI, addressing issues such as bias, privacy, and transparency. What will it take to foster a deep understanding of the responsible development and deployment of AI technologies? And who gets to make these decisions? Through lively discussions with your peers and instructors, get ready to engage with AI technology, make informed choices, and find ways to actively participate in shaping the ethical and responsible use of AI in our rapidly changing world.
- Yale
- June 29–July 11
Delve into the multifaceted world of artificial intelligence (AI) by exploring AI’s practical applications, societal implications, and the ethical considerations that are paramount in this rapidly advancing field. Gain an understanding of the breadth of AI applications, ranging from machine learning and natural language processing to robotics and computer vision. Using case studies and current events, learn how AI is transforming industries, from healthcare and law to transportation and entertainment, and how this will continue to accelerate in the future. In this seminar, you will also critically examine the ethical dimensions of AI, addressing issues such as bias, privacy, and transparency. What will it take to foster a deep understanding of the responsible development and deployment of AI technologies? And who gets to make these decisions? Through lively discussions with your peers and instructors, get ready to engage with AI technology, make informed choices, and find ways to actively participate in shaping the ethical and responsible use of AI in our rapidly changing world.
- Oxford
- July 5–July 18, July 19–August 1
In this seminar, explore how we interact with space through hands-on exercises paired with critique sessions, small-scale construction projects, and guest designers. Dive deep into topics centered on utility and aesthetics with digital drafting and historic styles. Throughout the session, explore how the concepts of design and sustainability are inextricably linked, and increasingly so. Delve into the innovative world of eco-conscious design, where aesthetics and environmental responsibility harmonize. Gain insights into sustainable building materials, energy-efficient technologies, and sustainable urban planning. Discover how architectural design can be a catalyst for positive environmental change, addressing pressing global issues. Learn how the concepts of use cases, impact studies, material life cycles, and functional aesthetics overlap and inform both products and policies focused on design.
- Oxford
- July 5–July 18, July 19–August 1
Drawing on the collections of the Ashmolean and Modern Art Museums of Oxford, and those of the colleges, this seminar introduces students to major works of art from the Medieval and Renaissance periods through Modernism and Postmodernism. Developing their own personal vocabulary and set of values, students gain skill in talking and writing about works of art. Each student will curate their own original mini-exhibition as a final project.
- Paris
- July 5–July 18, July 19–August 1
As the epicenter of Western artistic development, Paris is home to the most renowned artworks in the world and iconic architectural landmarks. In this field-based seminar, explore art history from prehistory through today, using the city as your classroom. In the blockbuster galleries of the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay, and the quieter corners of the Brancusi studio and Musée Jacquemart-Andre, follow movements that shaped history and inspired generations of artists. Focusing on movements that were nourished in France, discuss how they reflect the history of Paris and its people. Trace the development of religious imagery in altarpieces and tapestries at the Musée de Cluny and on the façade of Notre-Dame. Cross the Seine on the city’s Renaissance bridges, studying the masquerons on the Pont Neuf and the ornaments on Saint-Eustache. See the world through the eyes of the Impressionists at the Musée de l’Orangerie, walk in the footsteps of Renoir, Dalí, Picasso, Modigliani, and van Gogh, and see where many of their groundbreaking works were completed. Take day trips to experience the opulent classicism of Versailles and the quiet beauty of Monet’s garden at Giverny, and visit studios of contemporary Parisian artists challenging the role of traditional art history in their work.
- Oxford
- July 5–July 18, July 19–August 1
Whether you want to write your first novel or create a poem that captures a specific emotion or experience, this dynamic workshop-style seminar is a step toward finding your voice and pushing your boundaries as a creative writer. Through personalized exercises led by published authors, develop skills in the genre of your choosing while exploring important craft challenges such as dialogue, imagery, narrative structure, word choice, theme, and storytelling technique. Share your work and receive valuable feedback from your peers and instructor as you push yourself to think creatively and try new techniques.
- Yale
- June 29–July 11
Whether you want to write your first novel or create a poem that captures a specific emotion or experience, this dynamic workshop-style seminar is a step toward finding your voice and pushing your boundaries as a creative writer. Through personalized exercises led by published authors, develop skills in the genre of your choosing while exploring important craft challenges such as dialogue, imagery, narrative structure, word choice, theme, and storytelling technique. Share your work and receive valuable feedback from your peers and instructor as you push yourself to think creatively and try new techniques.
- Oxford
- July 5–July 18, July 19–August 1
In “the city of dreaming spires,” as the poet Matthew Arnold called it, this seminar looks at a range of major writers inspired by Oxford, including Shakespeare, Sidney, Johnson, Shelley, Wordsworth, Oscar Wilde, Virginia Woolf, T. S. Eliot, Lewis Carroll, and Iris Murdoch. From fantasy literature like “The Lord of the Rings” and “Harry Potter,” to modern murder mysteries and post-colonial writings, students explore the varieties of literature that resonate most powerfully in this magical place.
- Paris
- July 5–July 18, July 19–August 1
Experience firsthand the skill, vision, creativity, and mastery that combine to make Paris one of the fashion capitals of the world. Join artisans in turning beautiful natural materials into signature style, and get real-world insight as you talk to fashion designers, promoters, and influencers. Explore Paris’ fashion districts, trace trends at the Musée de la Mode et du Textile or Palais Galliera, and consider the impact of iconic brands like Louis Vuitton, Hermès, and Cartier, which call Paris home. Learn how Paris positions itself in global fashion as a champion of both tradition and innovation, exploring the business on the runway and behind the scenes. Build your own portfolio, taking inspiration from the creativity around us.
There is a supplemental fee of $100 for this major and $50 for this minor.
- Paris
- July 5–July 18, July 19–August 1
Named in 2010 by UNESCO as part of Humanity’s Intangible Cultural Heritage, French gastronomy is fundamental to identity, family, and tradition. In this hands-on seminar, trace the history of food from the Gauls to the slow-food gastronomic movement, and meet Parisian chefs, bakers, and food writers. Scour neighborhood markets for the finest ingredients, learn how to prepare traditional recipes like boeuf bourguignon and confit de canard, and serve them to your peers in tasting groups. Meet with fifth-generation boulangers and learn the secrets of the perfect baguette, or interview a local fishmonger about getting the day’s fresh catch from the coast to the city. Explore regional distinctions, and discuss the importance of global influences on French cooking with chefs who blend Senegalese, Moroccan, or Vietnamese ingredients with traditionally French techniques.
There is a supplemental fee of $150 for this major and $100 for this minor.
- Paris
- July 5–July 18, July 19–August 1
With Paris as both backdrop and classroom, combine classroom instruction, real-life scenarios, and authentic experiences to improve comprehension and spoken command of the language. Explore Paris’ dynamic contemporary cultural scene, learning about French society, youth culture, film and media, music, dance, and cuisine. Interview Parisian market-goers to find the city’s best cheese, croissants, and other French specialties, talk with a museum guard at the Musée d’Orsay about their favorite Degas painting, or prepare a discussion about the role of French hip-hop. Limited class size allows you to set personal language goals together with your instructor so they can provide guidance in the areas you most want to improve. You are required to speak only French in class, and may research an independent topic of your choice relating to French life, which you present during the last week of the program. A minimum of two years of French study is required.
- Paris
- July 5–July 18, July 19–August 1
This seminar examines how Paris’ built environment has changed with the evolution of political, economic, and ideological systems in France from antiquity to the present. Starting with the Roman era, see how the Romans reshaped the city according to their notion of “civilization,” through city planning and the spread of leisure and political institutions. Then examine how the Christianization of France reshaped the Parisian landscape, from small parish churches to towering structures like Notre Dame Cathedral. Monarchs then sought to affirm their power through monumental architecture, which is still widely admired today. While many think of Paris as an “old” city, we will see how most buildings were in fact torn down for a spectacular reconstruction of Paris in the industrial 19th century. Finally, consider how Paris has adapted in the postindustrial age, with the demolition or reuse of industrial spaces for cultural and recreational purposes. Political, religious and economic leaders have thus remodeled the city according to their own aims and conceptions of the “good life.” The majority of classes will be held on site in the city: we will have the opportunity to explore the Roman baths and arena, magnificent churches, monumental architecture like the Louvre and the Arc de Triomphe, elegant neighborhoods such as the area around the Opéra Garnier, and finally innovative post-industrial spaces such as the Parc de la Villette. Through this exploration, students will learn more about the fascinating history of Paris and better understand its richness and dynamism today.
- Oxford
- July 5–July 18, July 19–August 1
In this seminar, lay the groundwork for a better understanding of the state of global diplomacy through lectures, thought-provoking discussions, and interactive exercises. Whether it’s human rights, commerce and trade, human migration, climate change, or cybersecurity, world leaders are constantly walking the diplomatic tightrope and weighing the resulting costs and benefits. Investigate the relationship between governments, state and non-state actors, and the role of international media. Identify the tools essential to policy makers and ambassadors alike and put them to the test through mock debates on various issues facing our world today.
- Oxford
- July 5–July 18, July 19–August 1
In this seminar, discover how lawyers think, argue, and shape our world through an exciting exploration of criminal law, contracts, and other fundamental legal fields. Learn to construct compelling legal arguments while understanding how laws fundamentally shape our daily lives and society. Examine how constitutions serve as the backbone of different governments, and explore fascinating international institutions like the International Criminal Court of Justice that address global challenges. Get an insider’s view of the legal world through court visits, engage with real-world controversial cases, and meet international law professionals who will share their experiences. Compare legal systems from Europe, Britain, and America, and understand how different societies approach justice and solve complex legal problems.
- Paris
- July 5–July 18, July 19–August 1
In this seminar, explore legal principles to better understand why laws exist, their place in our social world, and the state’s role in defining what may be ambiguous or evolving doctrine. Examine the different forms of constitutional governments, and apply a critical lens to the relatively modern concept of constitutions as governing documents. Learn about the various multinational institutions—including the UN, the WTO, and the International Court of Justice—that work independently and together to establish order throughout Europe and beyond. Examine the scope of their regulatory and enforcement power and discuss controversial cases and legal doctrine. Compare and contrast European, British, and American legal systems, and meet with international law professionals.
- Paris
- July 5–July 18, July 19–August 1
From its cafes and museums to its boulevards and parks, Paris has served as muse for centuries of artists, creators, and visionaries. In this field-based creative course, immerse yourself in this palpable tradition as you hone your own artistic vision and explore new perspectives and media. Explore the city’s hidden corners and famous landmarks with your sketchbook and camera, and follow the footsteps of the many artists who worked in the city. Sketch studies of the Champs-Élysées in the rain, study the play of light on the façade of Notre Dame, and photograph street musicians playing on the Quai d’Orsay. Balance your field-based explorations with readings, film, and music: read Gertrude Stein’s musings on painting, screen Godard’s Breathless, and study the significance of Josephine Baker on Paris and its creative voice. Prepare a final exhibition for the rest of your group to share your own Parisian works.
There is a supplemental fee of $100 for this major and $50 for this minor.
- Oxford
- July 5–July 18, July 19–August 1
From its beginning in the 11th century, Oxford has been a center of philosophical inquiry and teaching. How was the universe formed and what is humankind’s place in it? What values should we live by and how do we discover them? How do we reconcile differences between ideologies and beliefs? Who are the most interesting thinkers who have pondered these questions and what can they tell us? Students dive into writers ranging from Plato and Socrates to Locke, Wollstonecraft, Einstein, and Hannah Arendt.
- Yale
- June 29–July 11
In this interdisciplinary seminar, explore the complex interplay between political systems and the universal principles of human rights. Through analysis of case studies, international treaties, and key documents, grapple with issues ranging from the ethical dilemmas of humanitarian intervention to the challenges of balancing national security with individual liberties. Leveraging Yale’s proximity to organizations like the Yale Law School, the Jackson Institute for Global Affairs, and the MacMillan Center for International and Area Studies, students will have access to resources that enhance their understanding of the political and legal dimensions of human rights. By fostering critical thinking and promoting constructive dialogue, this seminar empowers students to address critical global issues and work toward a more just and equitable world.
- Oxford
- July 5–July 18, July 19–August 1
The principles of psychology permeate our lives every day, often in ways we don’t realize. How do we decide what to do? How much of who you are is determined by your family, your gender identity, or your friends? Understanding human cognition, emotions, and behavior allows psychologists to better predict how we may behave in specific situations, why we think the way we do, and how emotions impact our interactions with our world. Begin by learning the basic goals of psychology, then examine theories that attempt to explain the many aspects of personality and behavior. Observe and describe human behavior, attempt to explain why specific behaviors occur, predict what may happen in the future, explore ways to control future behaviors, and work to turn negative behaviors into positive actions. While psychology is not an absolute science, there are ways to research, experiment, and categorize behaviors in order to better understand the signs and symptoms of psychological disorders, and the impacts individuals have on society. Explore concepts through the lens of behavioral, trait, and multicultural theories and relate them to your own experiences. Learn how biology and psychology intersect to create unique individuals. Through readings, discussions, films, experiments, and activities, explore the basic foundation of psychology and evaluate your own decisions from a new perspective.
- Yale
- June 29–July 11
The principles of psychology permeate our lives every day, often in ways we don’t realize. How do we decide what to do? How much of who you are is determined by your family, your gender identity, or your friends? Understanding human cognition, emotions, and behavior allows psychologists to better predict how we may behave in specific situations, why we think the way we do, and how emotions impact our interactions with our world. Begin by learning the basic goals of psychology, then examine theories that attempt to explain the many aspects of personality and behavior. Observe and describe human behavior, attempt to explain why specific behaviors occur, predict what may happen in the future, explore ways to control future behaviors, and work to turn negative behaviors into positive actions. While psychology is not an absolute science, there are ways to research, experiment, and categorize behaviors in order to better understand the signs and symptoms of psychological disorders, and the impacts individuals have on society. Explore concepts through the lens of behavioral, trait, and multicultural theories and relate them to your own experiences. Learn how biology and psychology intersect to create unique individuals. Through readings, discussions, films, experiments, and activities, explore the basic foundation of psychology and evaluate your own decisions from a new perspective.
- Oxford
- July 5–July 18, July 19–August 1
In this discussion-based seminar, dive into a timeline of major world events and wars through guided readings, engaging discussions, field visits, and guest speakers. Examine historical and political conditions that led to many world wars, and how the outcome of those wars shaped history and human culture. Leading all the way up to WWII, the most recent war that shook Europe to its foundations, learn how England was a major battleground and understand how the memory of the war lives on in England today.