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Paris Center for Critical Studies


The Critical Studies program is intended for students with an interest in a critical approach to contemporary French thought in the fields of literature, philosophy, film, art, and aesthetics. It is taught exclusively in French and designed to widen not only your ability to write and speak but also to think in French. You will gain a finer understanding of the texts, films, and ideas encountered both within the classroom and in Parisian intellectual life.

Paris boasts exceptional architecture and a rich cultural heritage. Its famous museums and galleries display a wealth of cultural artifacts, and the city is host to renowned sites of learning such as the Sorbonne, the Collège de France, and the Collège International de Philosophie. Whether visiting the Louvre, strolling along the banks of the Seine, going to the opera, or enjoying your neighborhood café, you will find much to make your academic work and daily life a rewarding experience.
 
Students attend classes with international and/or host country students.

Course Opportunities

The program offers a range of courses in cinema and visual studies, text and language, and intellectual history and critique. You are required to take at least four courses—two required courses (Writing Workshop and Theory and Method in Critical Studies) and two electives, one of which will be taken at a local Parisian institution such as the Université Paris Diderot (Paris 7) or Université de Paris 3 – Sorbonne Nouvelle.
 
Use the following resources to learn about courses on EAP:
​This program is offered through the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE).  Program participants take courses offered through CIEE and taught by local French professors.

Units

​You will take a full-time course of study while abroad; 21 UC quarter units/14 semester units are required per semester.
 

Language of Instruction

French


Language Study

French
. The program begins with a pre-session intensive French writing and research class.​


Internships, Research, and Independent Study

This program does not offer an internship. You will spend time each week doing independent research outside of class. Courses also include mandatory field trips to museums, exhibitions, conferences, and other cultural events.​
 

Duration

Fall :  
mid-August to mid-December.​

Spring :  
mid-January to mid-May.​
 

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Housing

Housing is provided on the program. You can choose to stay in either a small furnished studio or with a French host family. Living with a French host family is highly recommended for the cultural and linguistic experience.​
 

On-site Support

UCEAP students are supported by UC’s network of study abroad offices at every UC campus and partnerships with UCEAP host universities throughout the world. CIEE resident staff abroad help you integrate into the culture and provide assistance with academics, housing, safety, and other issues.​

Host Institutions

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The CIEE Study Center in Paris, known as the Paris Center for Critical Studies, is on the rue du Sentier in the lively, central Sentier neighborhood, in the 2nd arrondissement. The Center is less than a minute away from the Grands Boulevards, a 10-minute walk to the Palais Royal, and a 15-minute walk to the Louvre. Courses taught by CIEE-hired faculty take place in the Center. All Paris Critical Studies students must take at least one course at either the Université de Paris 3-Sorbonne Nouvelle, a 30-minute bus-ride away, or at the new Grands Moulins campus of the Université Paris Diderot (Paris 7), or through the Collège International de Philosophie.
 

Estimated Cost

Participation in UCEAP is a great value! The cost of studying abroad on UCEAP programs is typically less than that of non-UC study abroad programs. The dollar figures listed in the chart represent: 1) the amount of the fees that are paid directly to UCEAP in the current year, and 2) an estimate of the amount needed to cover personal living expenses in this location. Personal travel and entertainment are not included here.
 
Don't forget that you take your financial aid with you and the amount of your financial aid package will take into account the estimated TOTAL COST of this experience, as it is estimated below.
 
These expenses are estimated for 2012-13. Amounts will vary for 2012-13 participation due to potential changes to UC fees, exchange rate fluctuation, etc. Non-Resident Fees apply: If you are subject to out-of-state tuition at your UC campus, you will pay the same fees on UCEAP. For a more detailed breakdown of 2012-13 payment information, visit the Participants Portal and select the appropriate program. 
 
  • Predeparture expenses (student visa, health clearance, etc.)
  • Round-trip airfare
  • UC fees
  • Accident and medical insurance
  • On-site orientation
  • Program excursions and activities
  • Room and board
  • Books and other incidental expenses
  • Local transportation
  • Automatic transfer of credits and grades to your UC transcript​

Estimated EAP Costs*

Options Cost
  • Fall
  • Spring
  • $25,400
  • $26,100
*Based on most recent costs to the nearest $100.

Scholarships

UCEAP scholarships for the 2012-13 academic year are available. Please visit our scholarships overview page for general information and details  regarding eligibility requirements and application deadlines.

Application Requirements

Class Level:

Junior, Senior

Language Prerequisites:

French
- The University-level language requirement is: minimum 7 quarters / 5 semesters with a minimum language GPA of 3.00.

GPA:

3.00 cumulative GPA at the time of application and maintained through the end of the last term prior to departure.

Other Eligibility Requirements:


Demonstrated interest in critical theory and coursework in one or more of the following areas: philosophy, semiotics, film studies, visual studies, gender studies, cultural studies, French, or comparative literature.

Minimum Criteria:

 All applicants must also have:
  • Serious academic goals and a clear plan for integrating EAP studies into the student's UC degree program
  • Social and cross-cultural sensitivity; maturity; ability to adapt successfully to a different environment and an new education system; ability to assess and exhibit appropriate behavior in a variety of situations
  • A willingness to abide by program regulations
  • An endorsement by the Campus EAP Selection Committee and completion of all campus-specific requirements (an interview may be required)

Deadlines

Application deadlines and information on the application process are available through your Campus EAP Office. Supplemental predeparture materials will be required for many programs, including, but not limited to, host institution applications, visa and housing applications, medical clearances, etc.

For participation in the program, you must meet all deadlines and submit complete application materials.

Visit your Campus EAP Office for more information: