France & America: A Transatlantic Friendship

Course Title: France & America: A Transatlantic Friendship
Instructor: Camille Roche
July 7 - July 28, 2026 (4 Sessions)
Tuesdays, 6:30PM - 8:00PM ET 
 

Course Description: What does it mean for two nations to call each other “friends”? 

This course explores the unique relationship between France and the United States through political, intellectual, and cultural exchanges. Topics include Lafayette’s revolutionary contributions, Jefferson’s Paris years, the Statue of Liberty, and the movement of writers, thinkers, and artists across the Atlantic. 

Students will examine French writers in America, Americans in Paris, and the intellectual exchanges of the late twentieth century that shaped academic debates in the United States, including those at Johns Hopkins University. No prior knowledge of French language, history, or literature is required.

____________________________________________

Four weeks. Four courses. One summer of ideas.

The Odyssey Lifelong Learning Program in partnership with the Alexander Grass Humanities Institute presents a dynamic new summer learning experience - Summer Spark Series 2026. Choose from four engaging online courses taught by Johns Hopkins PhD scholars running July 6 – 31 and explore big ideas in history, culture, art, and global connections through small, interactive seminars that meet once each week. 

Developed with support from the Johns Hopkins Center for Teaching Excellence and Innovation, these courses bring fresh perspectives, lively discussion, and cutting-edge humanities research straight to you. To learn more about Summer Spark and explore Summer 2026 course offerings, visit the Odyssey website.
 

Johns Hopkins Tuition Remission and Refund Policies can be found here.

Withdrawals & Refunds:

If a course is canceled or closed, the registrant is notified immediately, and a full refund is processed automatically unless another course is requested. Registrants who wish to withdraw from an active course must complete the online Odyssey Refund Request Form. Attach any documentation to support your request (e.g., medical documentation, family crisis documentation, etc.).

• 100% refund: Prior to the start of the course and after the first class.

• No refunds: After the first week of each course unless in exceptional cases.

Please note, refunds apply only to the tuition portion of an Odyssey participant’s charges and are not applicable to any fees or gifts made to the Johns Hopkins Alumni Association. Registrants will be notified by email if a refund is approved within five (5) business days.