Blending science and gender studies, physics and social analysis, in the locations where Marie Curie lived and worked, this course will offer students an introduction to aspects of physics and chemistry related to radiation, along with an introduction to feminist epistemology and feminist analysis of Marie Curie as a cultural icon.
Tracing through her years in Paris from 1891 to 1934, the field school will make connections between the time and place of Marie Curie’s work and contemporary issues in both science and gender studies.
Field school program dates — June 20-28 (tentative)
- Deadline to apply: Jan. 20, 2026
- Online classes and preparation: tentative dates of June 8-June 19
- Paris visit: tentative dates of June 20-June 28
- Post-Paris independent work: completed by July 4
Marie Curie in Paris Field School Application
Program overview
The field school will include visits to various sites in Paris including:
- Musée Curie (private tour of Marie Curie lab)
- Bibliothèque Nationale de France (private tour including original thesis of Marie Curie)
- Panthéon (tomb of Marie Curie)
- La Sorbonne (Marie Curie was first woman to obtain Physics degree from Sorbonne, in 1893)
- Jardin du Luxembourg
- ÃŽle Saint-Louis (home of Marie Curie, 1912-1934)
By the end of the course students will demonstrate at least a beginning level of understanding of radiation physics and chemistry, and a beginning level of feminist cultural analysis. No math is required or expected for this course.
Activities
- Daily field trips and site visits to important landmarks and institutions
- Lectures delivered by faculty and local experts on Marie Curie
- Journalling and field notes
- Final project
Location: Paris, France
Number of students: 10
Professors: Dr. David Fleming, Physics; Dr. Christiana MacDougall, FGST and Sociology
Academic credit: 3 credits; either SCIE 2991 or FGST 2991
Prerequisites: Second-year standing or permission of the department
Program fee: Accepted students are required to pay a program fee of $ 2,200 to Mount Allison. This fee covers:
- Accommodation in Paris in double rooms
- Public transportation in Paris to and from Charles De Gaulle Airport
- Weekly metro pass
- Tours and museum fees
- Insurance
Note: The program fee does not include travel from Canada to France, meals, the Study Abroad fee, or tuition.
Language Requirement: No formal language requirement; however, some knowledge of French is considered an asset.
Deadline to apply: Jan. 20, 2026
Questions? Email Dr. David Fleming (Physics) dfleming@mta.ca, or Dr. Christiana MacDougall (FGST) cmacdougall@mta.ca