Parsons Paris

Summer Pre-College

The New School / Parsons Paris / Academics / Summer and Pre-College Programs
  • Parsons Paris Pre-College 750x422

    High school students are introduced to the art and design college experience through an immersive course of study. The program is open to high school students entering their junior or senior year and to recent high school graduates. Applicants must be 16–18 years of age by the start of the course. Exceptions cannot be made.

    Note: All Summer Intensive Studies courses may be taken in order to develop a portfolio for the college admissions process.

    Courses

  • Explorations in Drawing

    All-Day Studio Course

    SUMMER 2: June 26–July 18, 2020 (courses begin June 29 and end July 17)

    3 U.S. credits recommended
    Language of instruction: English

    This course introduces students to drawing as both a fundamental part of the design process and an integral tool for media arts of all kinds. Students approach drawing as a way of thinking, a critical tool, and a means for observation, storytelling, and representation. Traditional and nontraditional methods, media, and theories of drawing are all explored.

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    Fashion Design Process

    All-Day Studio Course

    SUMMER 2: June 26–July 18, 2020 (courses begin June 29 and end July 17)

    3 U.S. credits recommended
    Language of instruction: English

    This course introduces students to various approaches and techniques involved in the design process for fashion products. Students are encouraged to experiment as they research and find inspiration for a fashion collection and devise innovative 2D and 3D production methods for their fashion pieces. Working on projects individually and in groups, students develop fashion concepts for which they draw on the unique resources of Paris and explore how fabrication methods and color affect collections. Students are also introduced to branding and merchandising skills used to identify and create work for targeted markets and consumers.

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    Fashion Photography: History and Practice

    All-Day Studio Course

    SUMMER 2: June 26–July 18, 2020 (courses begin June 29 and end July 17)

    3 U.S. credits recommended
    Language of instruction: English

    This course combines theoretical and practical approaches to guide students in acquiring basic knowledge of fashion images and how to create them.

    Students learn how to analyze fashion photography using interdisciplinary tools, from history to sociology and semiotics. In parallel, students experiment with practical photography techniques at a professional level in order to produce a fashion shoot, from preliminary research to the final realization in collaboration with a model. Workshops, field trips, and exhibitions are also part of the course.

    Students explore photographic methods that enable them to see and interpret style. Paris is the historic capital of haute couture and luxury fashion, but students also learn to appreciate it as a city of fashion subcultures, in which fashion can be used to express social and political claims.

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    Introduction to Design and Management

    All-Day Studio Course

    SUMMER 2: June 26–July 18, 2020 (courses begin June 29 and end July 17)

    3 U.S. credits recommended
    Language of instruction: English

    Students learn to approach management as a strategic process that combines design innovation and business knowledge. In collaborative projects, they develop problem-solving skills and familiarity with design strategies through the application of research methods, prototyping, and quantitative analysis. Emphasis is placed on developing an understanding of a European setting and perspective and the way entrepreneurs, business innovators, and designers operate at the intersection of design and management. Students engage in design thinking and business strategy exercises, applying these approaches in a broad range of enterprises and real-world business contexts.

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    Portfolio Preparation

    All-Day Studio Course

    SUMMER 2: June 26–July 18, 2020 (courses begin June 29 and end July 17)

    3 U.S. credits recommended
    Language of instruction: English

    In this course, students create a high-quality portfolio of work for higher-level education. Students develop the skills and understanding they need to produce high-standard artwork for a portfolio. They research, construct, and refine work with a range of digital tools and design a consistent portfolio. They develop the editing and typographic skills they need to frame and present artwork in a clear and articulate manner, in both online and PDF formats, and with a range of digital tools and platforms and to prepare to apply to higher-level programs. Students also familiarize themselves with life in Paris, participating in studio workshops and research trips to museums and galleries.

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    Explorations in Painting

    All-Day Studio Course

    SUMMER 2: June 26–July 18, 2020 (courses begin June 29 and end July 17)

    3 U.S. credits recommended
    Language of instruction: English

    This course introduces students to painting as both a fundamental part of the design process and an integral tool for media arts of all kinds. Students learn basic concepts of painting such as color theory and composition and techniques for using water-based paints. Drawing is also taught as a means for observation and representation. Traditional and nontraditional methods, media, and theories of painting are all explored. Time will be set aside for students to develop a personal project.

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    Introduction to Jewelry Design

    All-Day Studio Course

    SUMMER 2: June 26–July 18, 2020 (courses begin June 29 and end July 17)

    3 U.S. credits recommended
    Language of instruction: English

    This studio course is an introduction to and survey of the design and construction of jewelry objects and collections, focusing on key contemporary methods and materials. It offers a full overview of the techniques, practices, processes and opportunities that characterize this important sector. In the studio, students design and develop a line of jewelry, engaging in a professional design process, from field research to the sourcing of materials and from the initial experimentation with materials and creation of sketches to the development and presentation of a prototype. 

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  • Campus and Classroom

    Classes will be held at Parsons Paris, a short walk from the Louvre and Opéra Garnier. Many classes will also meet in locations throughout the city, ranging from art and design exhibition settings to architectural landmarks and parks, with coursework complemented by excursions and day trips.

    Housing

    Housing is available for students registered for classes during both summer sessions.

    Supplies

    Students are expected to provide their own materials and supplies. If materials are required for the first day of class, a materials list will be provided before the summer session begins.

    Registration

    Registration for summer is managed by API, a third-party host specializing in study abroad.

    College Credit

    All Summer Intensive Studies Paris students earn three college credits (or six for Luxury Design Management) upon successful completion of the course.

    Academic Transcript Requests

    Transcripts for Parsons students are issued by the Registrar's Office and carry the signature and seal of The New School. A transcript is confirmation of a student's permanent record at the university. Students who complete Summer Intensive Studies Paris may request that their transcript(s) be mailed to other colleges and institutions by submitting an official request to the Registrar's Office.

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