FRANCE: EUROPEAN UNION STUDIES
Paris by Foot
by Jennie Walters, European Union Studies in Paris 2011
European Union Studies in Paris - An Interview with Program Director Francesco Saraceno
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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: Political Science, Economics, International Studies, International Law, French Language
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
The Northwestern IPD European Union Studies program is designed to provide 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.
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. Many courses are offered in English. Forty percent of Sciences 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 package. Students have two options: living with a French family in a homestay or staying in a 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. 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.
Course Instructor: Francesco Saraceno
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 365-SA: Decision Making in the European Union (1 credit)
This course offers an analysis, through lecture and simulation, of the European Union’s complicated institutional structure for political decision-making.
Course Instructor: Bruno Vindel
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 or balance between domestic and regional law.
Course Instructor: Imola Streho
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 cultural 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 IPD 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.
Jean Monnet House
On this half-day trip, students will visit the home of one of the founding fathers of the EU and discover his contribution to the European construction. Located just a few kilometers from Paris, the house has a beautiful garden for picnics.
Brussels, Belgium
Students will visit the European Commission in Brussels. During their visit, they will meet with several speakers throughout the day to learn more about economics in the EU and relations with the US. Visits to the European Council and to NATO headquarters will also be scheduled if possible. Students will also have the opportunity to explore the city and sample the waffles and chocolates, arguably a cultural experience in itself!
Strasbourg
Students will also visit the European Parliament in Strasbourg. This iconic and charming city, situated on the border between France and Germany, is known for its distinct Alsatian cuisine and world-famous cathedral. On this trip, students will visit the Council of Europe, the European Parliament, and the European Court of Justice to speak with representatives about the role of the EU in international politics, economics, and human rights. They will also have the chance to attend a plenary session of the Parliament, and to see “Europe at work.”
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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