Academic Focus
The French Culture & Society program offered in the summer at the CEA GlobalCampus in Paris focuses on providing an intensive and profound exploration of subjects ranging from the foundations of French History to current issues in International Politics and business issues. Instructors concentrate on adapting their courses to the city of Paris, using its streets, museums, markets, and people as an endless source of course material. Students will gain priceless knowledge and insight from this unique academic experience.
This program features a curriculum of diverse courses perfect for students of all language levels. Students benefit from being able to choose courses that best meet their individual academic and personal needs. Electives are taught in English so that participants can continue their university studies regardless of their language level.
The French Culture & Society program is offered during two 4-week summer sessions in June and July. Students participating in either session can choose to take one or two electives at the GlobalCampus in subject areas such as Art History, Cultural Studies, Political Science and Business. Students attending the July 2-course session have an additional option of taking one elective at the GlobalCampus and one French language course at the Catholic University of Paris. Students can participate in one session or opt for two back-to-back sessions in order to earn additional credit.
Electives meet for a total of 45 contact hours and are generally worth 3 credits in the US semester system. French language courses at the Catholic University of Paris meet for 60 contact hours and are worth 4 credits. However, it is up to the discretion of your home institution how much credit will be awarded.
Schedule Summary
Electives typically meet Monday through Thursday for 2 ½ or 3 hours each session although study trips and other required fieldwork may occur on Fridays. Language classes meet Monday through Friday for 3 hours each day. Both types of classes are offered at various times throughout the day. Class timetables for GlobalCampus courses will be released approximately 3 months before the program closure date, and your final course schedule will be posted to your MyCEA Account around two weeks before the program start date.
Course Registration
Students must register for courses prior to departure for Paris. A course preference form will be posted to your MyCEA Account when course selection is released. This form should be completed upon reception of your language level confirmation. Classes are filled on a first-come, first-served basis so it is in your best interest to submit your course preference form as soon as possible. Course preferences for electives are considered final when submitted to CEA. To aid in the registration process, it is in your best interest to have courses, including alternates, approved by your academic advisor prior to submitting your course preference form.
For Language courses, Institut Catholique will send you an online language placement exam and you will receive a preliminary language level assignment. However, upon arrival in Paris and during orientation, students will take a short oral placement exam with the faculty. The purpose of this test is to verify the students' levels in case the written exam is not conclusive. Any anomalies in the placement will be detected at this time, and changes can be made to the initial placements. Only Institut Catholique faculty can make the decision to alter students' French level based on the oral component of the exam.
