Meet at the famous Café de Flore to study the influence and dynamics of Black culture, literature, and experience in Paris, past and present. Like a jazz composition, the seminar is arranged to convey variations and diverse interpretations of the "Paris Noir" theme and features panel discussions; poetry readings; and visits to community theatre workshops, working artists' studios, nightclubs, concerts, African markets, and restaurants. The program focuses on the contemporary literature, art, and life of African Americans, Antillais, Africans, and Afro-Parisians in Paris and their connections to Africa, the Caribbean, and Europe.

The program will explore the complex relationship between civil society and cultural politics in contemporary Brazil with a focus on human rights, grass-root social movements, art and culture, and civil society (nongovernmental organizations). Students will explore how local advocacy groups and nongovernmental organizations work to promote and advance grassroots politics, cultural productions (art, music, and film), and education.

The main site of the program will be in Salvador (Bahia) with a five day visit to Rio de Janeiro. Salvador is a cultural jewel and is considered the Mecca of Africans in the Diaspora. Its streets overflow with vibrant black cultural life, street performances by renowned artists and open air capoeira demonstrations. In addition to the rich social traditions, Bahia has some of the best organized and vibrant social movements in the Americas. Against this backdrop, Salvador represents an important site of social, political and cultural investigation, as it stands at the cross-section of culture, vibrant grassroots advocacy and contested local politics. Students will also visit Rio de Janeiro where they will also interact with grassroots groups and speak with local activist.