Dates: 23rd and 30th June 2025
Location: Paris, France
ERUA and Paris 8 University are announcing an intensive course “Arts and Society: Reinterpreting a masterpiece” that will take place in Paris 8 University, on the 23rd and the 30th of June.
This class has been imagined by two French teachers teaching English and Sustainable Economy at Paris 8 University (Institute of Technology of Montreuil). Being part of the ARTE channel Artjacking series, the class will deal with the famous oil painting Le Radeau de la Méduse by Theodore Gericault (1819) exhibited at the Louvres museum in Paris. The class will lay the emphasis on key contemporary issues raised by this 19th century masterpiece such as global warming or peoples’ displacements. It will also guide students to provide their own interpretation of the painting. English communication skills as well as teamwork capabilities will be encouraged.
This series of classes aims at gathering ten French computer-science students and ten students from the ERUA alliance.
The project favors both a collaborative and an experimental work environment in which students from different disciplines and cultures are encouraged to think together about social issues. By putting creativity and interdisciplinarity at its core, it aligns with Paris 8 and ERUA key believes. Moreover, the use of digital tools to create a unique masterpiece may offer students a genuine opportunity to voice their creativity as well as their critical look at society.
By reinterpreting Le Radeau de la Méduse from the perspective of sustainability, the project is willing to sensitize students on contemporary issues such as the ecological crisis and social inequalities.
It will allow students to develop skills in multicultural team working, English communication, critical thinking and technological innovation which are essential to their professional skills.
This two-day class project will include:
- A guided exhibition Tour by French students who will discover the original masterpiece at the Louvres museum.
- Team work in groups (remote work).
- A guided brainstorming of the episode Artjacking! Le Radeau de la Méduse
- The Meeting of an artist who is the descendant of one of the shipwrecked victims.
- The production of a unique painting using AI generative image programs in order to provide a fresh new look to the masterpiece through any environmental or relevant social issue.
The oral presentation in English of students’ art works (one painting per group)
Why You Should Apply:
This motivating international project will allow you to develop the following skills:
- English and intercultural communication skills
- Artistic interpretation skills as well as creative skills
- Digital skills
It will offer you the unique opportunity to work with French students and to experience a remote visit at the Louvres museum in Paris.
Assessment methods:
Students will be evaluated through a remote oral presentation. Upon the successful completion of the course 3 ECTS will be awarded.
Who can apply:
The course is open for 10 ERUA undergraduate (BA level) students that are fluent in English.
How to apply:
If you are interested, you can apply no later than June 1st to the following address: https://paris8.moveonfr.com/locallogin/660eb384386d1ea0ce0c5ad8/eng
To apply, please send us a short cover letter explaining why this project sounds interesting to you!
For any further information please contact both: v.clementcomparot@iut.univ-paris8.fr and a.golven@iut.univ-paris8.fr
Funding:
ERUA students can receive travel and accommodation funding from their home universities.
