Office of Global Engagement

Paris University Course Information

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Paris University Course Information

Students enroll in a minimum of 24 ECTS at the host university, which combined with the required proseminar course, would be the equivalent of full-time course load at the host institution.

Full year students do not repeat the proseminar course in their second semester and must enroll in a full course load at the host university (30 ECTS) during their spring semester.
Actual course offerings typically are not posted until just before the semester begins, and final course registration takes place in Paris, and must be approved by the Brown in France resident director.
For past course offerings, visit the university websites listed below. Enrollment in specific courses during study abroad is not guaranteed by Brown or by your host university, so it's important to have alternate courses in mind as a back-up if you aren’t able to get into your preferred courses.
You will choose one from our partner institutions before arriving in Paris (in late April for fall semester students and in late October for spring semester students). This will be your definitive choice for the semester.

Choosing a Partner University

Students attending for one semester must choose only one partner university. Students attending for the entire academic year may register at both institutions during their second semester.

	Sorbonne Université - Faculté des lettres (Lettres Sorbonne)	Université de Paris 8 - Vincennes Saint Denis (Paris 8)
Maximum Number of Academic Departments	Students must choose one department of record and take all coursework within this department except one elective, which can be taken in a different department. Students may also add an optional French as a second language course if they choose.	Students may enroll in coursework in multiple departments. Students may also add an optional French as a second language course if they choose.
Course Restrictions	Some departments (e.g., French and Comparative Literature, History of Art and Archeology, etc.) only open certain courses to study abroad students.	Study abroad students may take coursework in any discipline, even without prior coursework in that area.
Course Years Available	Only second or third year courses (L2 and L3) may be taken. Students may not register for first year (L1) courses.	Coursework may be chosen from years 1-3 of License (L1, L2 or L3). Certain courses at the Masters level may also be taken with prior approval from the instructor.
Subject Areas Available	Classics (Greek and Latin) French and Comparative Literature French as a second language Geography History History of Art and Archeology Modern Languages Music Philosophy Sociology	Computer Science Dance Economics Education Film Studies French and Comparative Literature French as a second language Gender Studies Geography History Linguistics Mathematics Modern Languages Music Philosophy Political Science Psychology Sociology Studio Arts Theater
Class Schedules	Classes generally meet twice per week (one lecture, one “section) for a total of three hours.	Classes generally meet once per week for three hours.
Links to University Websites	https://lettres.sorbonne-universite.fr/en	https://www.univ-paris8.fr/en/

Coursework in Specialized Areas

Students who wish to take coursework in the following specialized areas should announce their intentions when deciding upon the partner institution at which they will enroll. Architecture students are required to present a portfolio of their work.

Architecture (Ecole spéciale d’architecture)
Religious studies (Institut Catholique de Paris)

Tutoring Support

The program provides two types of tutoring:

A French language tutor is on-staff and available to proofread written assignments for spelling, grammar and formatting errors.
Subject-specific tutoring is available in any area upon request.