FRANCE: CRITICAL THEORY, LITERATURE & MEDIA
Beauty and Utility - Blending Architecture and Art in Paris
by Ariel Maschke, 2011
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Contact:
Karey Fuhs
Assistant Director, IPD Study Abroad
(847) 467-6953
Location: Paris, France
Institution: Sciences Po
Term: Fall semester (2012 Program Dates: September 1 - December 16)
Application Deadline: February 15, 2013
Language Requirement: None - all classes are taught in English
Academic Interests: Critical Theory, Comparative Literature, Philosophy, French language
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
The Northwestern IPD Critical Theory, Literature, and Media program questions common sense conceptualizations of the world in which we live, as both fostered and examined by political discourse, literature, the media, and cultural production. Through exposure to foundational critical works, literary reflections, and field trips to historical and cultural sites, students will learn about the development of Critical Theory within the historical context of the ideological enthusiasms and conflicts of twentieth century Europe, while also being challenged to apply these theories to the contemporary world.
THE UNIVERSITY
Established in 1872, Sciences Po is one of Europe’s most distinguished and well-known schools of public affairs. The majority of France’s political leaders are alumni, including former presidents Jacques Chirac and François Mitterrand. The Paris campus, located near the Seine and within walking distance of Notre Dame de Paris and the Louvre, is the most famous of the seven Sciences Po undergraduate campuses located all over France. While the University primarily conducts classes in French, the education has a strong international dimension, where students are expected to study at least two foreign languages in addition to French, and many courses are offered in English. Forty percent of Science Po’s student population is international, with 60 different nationalities represented.
HOUSING & MEALS
Accommodations and a meal plan are provided as part of the program. Students will have two options for program-provided housing: living with a French family in a homestay or staying in the dormitory at St. John’s University Paris Campus.
COURSES
Program courses take place at Sciences Po in Paris. This is a Northwestern program with a set curriculum, so students must enroll in the courses listed below. Critical Theory participants will receive letter grades on their NU transcript, and the grades are factored into their Northwestern GPA.
POLI SCI 364-SA: France and the European Union (1 credit)
This course provides students with a history of modern French political culture and institutions. It addresses France's participation in European integration, the development of French social policy, and the political crises that informed the emergence of critical theory. The course is taken along with other IPD students abroad in Paris.
Course Instructor: Michael Loriaux
POLI SCI 308-SA: Critical Theory and the Study of Politics (1 credit)
This course examines the relevance of critical theory to political life, as well as the political and moral implications of critical theory. Students will become acquainted with critical theory through the writings of Jacques Derrida, one of the most influential twentieth century thinkers.
Course Instructor: Michael Loriaux
CLS 310-SA: Critical Theory and Literary Studies (1 credit)
This course will introduce students to some of the most influential texts of critical theory, notably those of Foucault, Deleuze, Lyotard, and Derrida. The course is articulated around the theme of language politics, and students will use these foundational texts to deconstruct and analyze this theme and its political and ethical implications.
Course Instructor: Marc Crepon
CLS 383-SA: Research Seminar on Critical Theory (1 credit)
Students exchange ideas with scholars and doctoral candidates working in Critical Theory, read and analyze texts together in a seminar setting, debate the meaning and relevance of Critical Theory, visit relevant sites, and develop a research project.
Course taught by a post-graduate student.
FRENCH 199-SA or 299-SA: French Language (2 credits)
While there is no language prerequisite to participate in this program, students are required to take intensive language training in French while in Paris. Four levels of language instruction are offered, corresponding to the various levels of student proficiency. In addition to basic language skills, the course covers culture and social aspects of Parisian life.
Courses taught by various instructors.
EXCURSIONS
Northern France
During one of the first weekends of the program, students of all Northwestern in Paris programs will travel to see the beaches of Normandy, American and German cemeteries from World War II, and several famed cities. The trip typically lasts two days and one night, and it is one of the first opportunities to discover a bit about the history of France.
Strasbourg & Freiburg
During a more extended excursion to Strasbourg and Freiburg, students will have the opportunity to visit important sites in the development of Critical Theory. Possible visits include: Martin Heidegger’s “Hütte” in Todtnauberg, Strasbourg University, where Emmanuel Levinas studied, and the Nazi concentration camp at Struthof.
PROGRAM COSTS
Review the following cost information sheets for a breakdown of and information about program costs:
NUSP Student Budget: Homestay Option (Fall 2013)
NUSP Student Budget: Dorm Option (Fall 2013)
Fall 2013 Total Esimated Cost of Attendance = $22,475.
Students applying to this program are eligible for IPD Study Abroad Fellowships and may be eligible for external funding opportunities. Students participating in this program are subject to Withdrawal Policies for Northwestern-Sponsored Programs.
For more information about billing, finances, and financial aid for study abroad, please refer to the Money Matters resource page of the Study Abroad Office website or contact Krista Buda (k-buda@northwestern.edu; 847-491-7400) in the Financial Aid Office.
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