Example French dissertation topic 7:

A study of the art of the Paris Métro.

Combining aspects of architectural study with those of French culture, this dissertation celebrates the artwork of the Paris Métro. Taking a station by station approach the dissertation describes the aesthetics of the buildings, as well as the tile and ironwork on display to commuters on a daily basis. Noting both thematic similarities as well as those stations that ‘break the mould’, this dissertation would ideally suit someone who has just returned from their ‘year abroad’ in Paris. A comparison between the styles apparent in the Paris Métro with those of New York’s subway or that of another major city would add an interesting further comparative element to this study.

Suggested initial topic reading:

• Broadwell, V. (2007). City of light, city of dark: Exploring Paris below. Bloomington, IN: Xlibris Corporation.
• Christie, M. (2009). ‘Métropolitain: Trains in Paris’, Green design and the city conference. 24th September 2009, Pittsburgh, VA.
• Fritzsche, A. (2010). Subterranean railways of London and Paris: Comparative history of the Underground and the Métro in the life of the metropolis. Berlin: GRIN Verlag.