What's Happening?
Portland State University (PSU) is offering a faculty-led summer program in Paris, France, titled 'Exploring the Pedestrian City.' Scheduled from July 5–28, 2027, this immersive program invites students to study Paris through the lenses of sociology,
anthropology, geography, history, and urban planning. Participants will explore various neighborhoods, examining how identity, belonging, development, displacement, diversity, and social justice shape urban communities. The curriculum includes walking tours, site visits to local markets, parks, housing developments, bike lanes, and iconic landmarks, along with field activities and hands-on projects. The program, which requires no prerequisites, offers 8 credits (UNST 220 + USP 300U) with additional course options available. It is open to all majors but is particularly beneficial for students interested in urban studies, community development, transportation, social justice, and understanding diverse communities.
Why It's Important?
This program is important for U.S. students as it provides a unique opportunity for international academic and cultural exchange, fostering a global perspective on urban issues. By studying Paris, students can gain insights into urban planning, social justice, and community development challenges that are also relevant to U.S. cities. The interdisciplinary approach, combining sociology, anthropology, geography, history, and urban planning, offers a holistic understanding of complex urban environments. Such international experiences can enhance students' critical thinking, cross-cultural communication skills, and global awareness, making them more competitive in a diverse job market and better equipped to address domestic urban challenges. The focus on 'the pedestrian city' also highlights sustainable urban living and transportation, which are increasingly important topics in U.S. urban development.
What's Next?
Prospective students interested in the 'Exploring the Pedestrian City' program should attend the information session to learn more about program details, application procedures, and financial aid opportunities. Following the information session, students will need to complete the application process for the summer 2027 program. Once accepted, participants will prepare for their immersive experience in Paris, which will involve academic coursework, field studies, and cultural engagement. The success of this program could lead to the development of similar faculty-led international study opportunities at Portland State University and potentially inspire other U.S. institutions to create comparable programs, further expanding global learning opportunities for American students.
Beyond the Headlines
Beyond the academic curriculum, this program offers profound personal and intellectual growth opportunities. Living and studying in a foreign city like Paris allows students to experience different cultural norms, social structures, and urban lifestyles firsthand. This immersion can challenge preconceived notions, broaden perspectives, and cultivate a deeper appreciation for global diversity. The focus on social justice and community development within an international context can inspire students to become more engaged citizens, both locally and globally, and to apply their learning to advocate for positive change in their own communities. Furthermore, the program's emphasis on understanding how identity and belonging shape urban spaces can foster empathy and a nuanced understanding of complex social dynamics, contributing to a more informed and compassionate generation of leaders and professionals.
