Intensive Programs in the Social Sciences
Designed for students specializing in the social sciences and seeking to pursue independent research in Paris, Sarah Lawrence intensive programs allow each student to construct an individualized curriculum centered around a specific area of interest. These comprehensive programs include academic courses and fieldwork.
A typical intensive program (8 credits per semester, for 10 to 15 class hours per week) consists of the following:
- Two Academic Courses
- SLC Conference Work
- One Optional Elective
- Independent Research Project (fieldwork)
Students in intensive programs also take one SLC seminar of their choice and a required French language course (see Sample Intensive Programs).
These programs enable students to approach the study of the contemporary world from a European perspective and provide extensive training in French methodology. Fieldwork complements the work carried out in class by putting students in contact with local communities and organizations. Independent research done in an SLC intensive program may serve as valuable preparation for a senior thesis, graduate school or a career in a related field.
Students in SLC intensive programs choose from a large array of classes at two of the world’s leading research institutions in the social sciences, the Ecole des Hautes Etudes en Sciences Sociales (EHESS) and the Institut d’Etudes Politiques (IEP or Sciences Po). Due to the rigor of these institutions, students in intensive programs must demonstrate an advanced level of written and spoken French.
The following provides a list of sample intensive programs. Each student constructs his or her own program under the guidance of the SLC Paris Program Director and a specialist in the given field.
Discipline |
Course 1 |
Course 2 |
Elective |
| Anthropology* Sample Intensive Program at EHESS |
Anthropology of Western Knowledge Professor Stoczkowski |
Social History of Cultural Models Professors Revel and Loriga |
Anthropology of the Gaze: Documentary Filmmaking and the Ethnological Experience Professor Breton |
| Economics* Sample Intensive Program at IEP |
International Commerce and Globalization Professor Mayer |
Globalization, States and Financial Markets Professor Rachline |
The Financial and Economic Crisis, 2007-2010 Professor Jacquillat |
| European Studies* Sample Intensive Program at IEP |
The European Union: Political System and Life Professor Bourlanges |
European Law Professor Burgorgue-Larsen |
The Crisis of the European Union Professor Germanangue |
| International Relations* Sample Intensive Program at IEP |
Global Space Professor Baudie |
Introduction to the Contemporary Arab World Professor Bahout |
The Geo-economic Dynamic of the Persian Golf Professor Tétart |
| Sociology* Sample Intensive Program at IEP |
Religion and Society Professor Pouthier |
Major Scientific Issues Professor Le Deaut |
Thoughts in Action: a History of Philosophical Problems in Contemporary France Professor Simon-Nahum |
*Each intensive program is accompanied by SLC conference work sessions and an independent research project (fieldwork) on a topic chosen under the direction of the conference professor.
Application Process
All students applying to intensive programs in the social sciences must be approved by and receive initial guidance from the SLC Paris Program Director.
For further information, please e-mail Monique Middleton, Paris Program Director.