Paris in the "Gothic Age" - the 13th and 14th centuries - was thriving. Dramatically sited on either of side of the River Seine, the walled city was the capital of a powerful monarchy, site of the new cathedral of Notre-Dame, a major center of learning, and a vital nexus of trade. Our aim will be to reconstruct the medieval city in our minds as way of gaining deep insight into medieval culture. We will study extant structures including Notre-Dame and the Sainte-Chapelle and use archaeological and textual evidence to bring the city to life - investigating everything from the many-towered palace of the Louvre to the compound of the Knights Templar, from artisans' quarters to hospitals and cemeteries. Students will collaborate in writing a guide book to the city as it would have appeared to a visitor about 1380. Estimated cost of materials: less than $50.00. D.2