Academic Focus
The Liberal Arts program at the Institute for American Universities (IAU) is intended for students who want to study in the south of France while participating in an American form of university education. Students will study at le Centre d’Aix, IAU’s center for liberal studies in Aix-en-Provence. Most electives at le Centre are taught in English and are offered in a wide variety of subject areas from Art History and Archeology to Political Science and Psychology. Depending on your interests, you can take courses which focus primarily on the Provencal region, or take courses which look at France and Europe within a larger global context. With such a broad liberal arts curriculum, you will not only earn credits toward your degree, but also have the opportunity to learn about French language and culture.
Students at the beginning French level will enroll in two language courses and then select 3 electives. Students at the intermediate French level or above will enroll in one language course and then select 4 electives. French language courses focus on oral expression, vocabulary development and listening comprehension. Electives are offered in a wide variety of disciplines. The majority of electives are taught in English which allows students of all language levels to explore French culture and history. However, IAU does offer History and Literature electives in French for students at the intermediate language level and above. Students may also take one of their electives at The Marchutz School of Art, one of IAU’s studio art centers in Aix which offers painting and drawing courses.
Most courses meet for a total of 45 contact hours, which are generally worth 3 credits in the US semester system. Students will be in class for a total of 225 contact hours or 15 credits in the US semester system. Note, it is up to the discretion of your academic advisor how much credit will be awarded.
Schedule Summary
Language and elective courses meet Monday through Friday and class times vary. A student’s individual schedule will not be finalized until registration takes place onsite.
Course Registration
You will register for courses, including alternates, prior to departure. During the pre-departure process, all students are required to complete a course selection form indicating their course preferences and alternates. Students are encouraged to submit their form as early as possible as popular courses fill up quickly. Based on the course selection form and course availability, a student’s course registration will be finalized. With regard to language classes, students will take a placement exam upon arrival to confirm their language level. If their level is different than indicated on their application, adjustments will be made to the student’s schedule to place them in the right language class.
IAU does its best to accommodate an individual student’s needs. However, scheduling conflicts or French placement text results may necessitate an adaptation of a student’s proposed program. This is particularly true for students interested in taking a painting or drawing course at Marchutz. Students will be enrolled in a painting or drawing course if it fits into the rest of their schedule. Students will work with the IAU academic advisor onsite if any changes need to be made. In order to ensure that you receive credit for the language level and courses that you place into, it is in your best interest to have a variety of courses and language levels approved by your academic advisor prior to departure.
