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Approaches of Cultural Pluralism : transnational heritage
Certificate of European Studies (CES) Parcours Certificate of European Studies (CES)
ComposanteFaculté des langues
Description
Lecturer: Alexandre Kostka
Strasbourg (circa 280 000 inhabitants) boasts itself for being the oldest "European" capital, welcoming since 1949 the Council of Europe, since 1952 the parliamentary Assembly of the ECSC (which evolved into the European Parliament) – and the city itself and its surrounding region on the other side of the Rhine constitute since 2005 a "Eurodistrict" including the German neighborhood towns; in Spring 2017 a direct tram line connected Strasbourg to Kehl.
2017 was also the year when the "German" Neustadt received a UNESCO world heritage label – symbolizing the integration of a formerly less valued part of the city into the mental landscape of the inhabitants. The same year, a cluster of exhibitions ("Strasbourg, laboratoire d'Europe", which took place at the Museum of Modern art, and several other locations) highlighted the multi-facetted cultural history of Strasbourg.
This seminar wishes to explore not only the present situation of a medium size city that accommodates institutions and several thousand European civil servants and their families; it also asks about the genealogy of urban tissue that make up a shared urban history, where for centuries German and French, but also other European and non-European influences have created a unique overlapping architectonic and cultural texture. Other European cities are taken under scrutiny for comparison. Several renowned historians of architecture, urbanists, political scientists and practitioners of European institutions will present their viewpoints for discussion.
For assessment, students will be asked to form teams of 3/4 participants, which will realize several cultural projects ("city rallies" for adults, based on the assessment of the urban structure; blueprints of renovation projects for different parts of the city taking into account European funding structures, innovating schemes for tourism, etc...) Previously, the project has to be discussed with the docents, and presented in class.
The Certificate of European Studies (CES) is a university degree awarded at the end of a semester of study at Sciences Po Strasbourg. The curriculum is taught exclusively in English and aims to allow students who speak little or no French to have access to a top-level education in a French « Grande Ecole » (elite university).
Focusing on Europe from a global perspective, the Certificate of European Studies combines lectures, small-group tutorials, field trips and educational visits while introducing students to the French language and culture.
Thanks to the long-standing partnership between Sciences Po Strasbourg and the European institutions (European Parliament, Council of Europe, etc.), CES students have a unique opportunity to gain both theoretical and practical knowledge of Europe from the very heart of its capital.
Open to exchange students and free movers
This diploma is intended for international students, enrolled in a university abroad with an aim to obtain a degree and having the equivalent of at least two semesters (i.e. 60 ECTS credits) validated in their home university, preferably, but not necessarily, in the following fields : Law, Economics, Political Science, International Relations and Contemporary History.
The CES is targeted at students with little or no French language skills (A1-A2), but proof of advanced command of English is necessary (B2 in English required).
The Certificate of European Studies is open to both exchange students coming from partner universities and to free movers (non-exchange students).
Organization of the study program
The Certificate of European Studies can be taken first or second semester.
The program begins, each semester, with an intensive French course.
During the semester, students must take French language courses, 4 compulsory courses related to Europe (depending on the semester: History of European integration, Political Sociology of Europe, Cultural Policy in Europe, The EU and the World Economy, etc.) and a seminar coupled with pedagogical visits to the European institutions. In addition, they choose 2 optional courses and participate in a field trip (Frankfurt, Brussels, Luxembourg ...).
For further details, please see the CES brochure with course descriptions for first semester and for second semester.
First semester, the program begins at the beginning of September; courses and exams are completed before the Christmas holidays.
Second semester, the program begins at the beginning of January; courses and exams are completed at the end of May.
How to apply
- Your home university has an exchange agreement with Sciences Po Strasbourg (Erasmus+ agreement or bilateral agreement) or with the University of Strasbourg (exchange agreement for universities outside Europe only) : you must be selected by your home university.
- Your home university does not have an exchange agreement, neither with Sciences Po Strasbourg nor with the University of Strasbourg: you will have to pay a registration fee of €1390.
- The application procedure and schedule for the next sessions of the Certificate of European Studies are available here :
- 2024/25 Semestre 1
- 2024/25 Semestre 2
