The World in Paris and Paris as the World: Paris and its Expositions Universelles

Undergraduate / Graduate

Beginning with the Great Exhibition of 1851, World's Fairs (Expositions Universelles) emerged as defining spectacles of modernity, showcasing technological progress, imperial ambitions, and competing visions of the future. Drawing millions of visitors, these large-scale events blended innovation, nationalism, and global exchange, effectively serving as "miniature worlds" that reflected both the promises and contradictions of their time. While cities such as Chicago, Barcelona, and New York City hosted influential fairs, Paris became the archetype of the Exposition Universelle. This course uses Paris as a living classroom, examining how these events shaped the city's landscape and global identity. Students will also consider connections to the World's Columbian Exposition, whose legacy remains visible in Chicago's Midway and Jackson Park. The course introduces the broader history of World's Fairs before focusing on three major Paris expositions: 1889, marked by the construction of the Eiffel Tower; 1900, reflecting on a century of progress; and 1937, which revealed rising political tensions preceding World War II. Combining lectures with site visits, students will engage directly with Paris as both text and terrain. For the final project, students will explore a specific theme-such as architecture, science, art, or international representation-through a paper or creative format (e.g., presentation, podcast, or video).