FRANCE: EUROPEAN UNION STUDIES

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Location: Paris, France
Institution: Sciences Po
Term: Fall semester - Program Dates: September 1 - December 16, 2012
Application Deadline: February 15, 2012
Program Costs: 2012 Program Fee: $16,500, which includes tuition, housing, partial meal plan, and program excursions. Students are not charged the NU Study Abroad Administrative Fee. Click here for a detailed student budget.
Language Requirement: None - all classes are taught in English

Academic Interests:
Political Science, Economics, International Studies, International Law, French Language

Program Description:
The goal of this program is to provide Northwestern students with a solid understanding of the political background and current dynamics of the European Union.  Courses familiarize students with the issues and conventions governing the European economy, the structure of the EU and mechanisms for negotiation, and the roles of and interaction between major EU institutions.  Developed jointly by faculty from Northwestern and Sciences Po, this unique program comprises seminars, lectures, and excursions to EU sites of historical and political significance. Past trips have been organized to the European Commission and NATO headquarters in Brussels and the European Parliament in Strasbourg, as well as to historic and cultural sites in Paris and elsewhere in France.  Students also take intensive French language classes.

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. European Union Studies participants will receive letter grades on their NU transcript, and the grades are factored into their Northwestern GPA.

POLI SCI 363-SA: The Political Economy of the European Union (1 credit)
Students learn about the political production, structure, and regulation of economic activity in the EU.

POLI SCI 364-SA: France and the European Union (1 credit)
An introduction to French politics in the framework of European integration. This course covers French efforts to promote integration and France’s role in the international system and adaptation to the EU.

POLI SCI 365-SA: Decision Making in the European Union (1 credit)
This course offers an analysis, by lecture and simulation, of the European Union's complicated institutional structure for political decision-making.

POLI SCI 366-SA: The Dynamics of Law Making in the European Union (1 credit)
Students examine the dynamics of law making in the EU and conflict/balance between domestic and regional law.

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. Three to four levels will be offered, depending on student demand.