European Studies Program


The European Union (EU) now includes 27 members and more than 500 million people. Its economic, strategic and diplomatic significance makes it an essential actor both within and beyond its borders. But many questions remain, as evidenced by debates and disputes over governance, sovereignty, cultural diversity or economic and social policies. The European Studies field has become a key academic interest as decisions made by the EU, now more than ever, have a significant impact on individuals, companies, institutions both at the local and international levels. The European Studies approach combines a variety of methods to explore societal and political challenges that can only be understood in a broad socio-cultural context. The European Studies undergraduate program is a joint project supported by the Faculty of Law and Economics and the Faculty of Arts and Humanities of the University of Limoges. The aim is to provide a new, diverse and challenging curriculum and encourage both local, international and exchange students to engage in intercultural dialogue while improving their expertise in European issues.

Objectives

The program offers a multidisciplinary approach to the study of the EU construction and of how the EU addresses current challenges in a constantly changing international environment. Experts in sociology, law, economics, international relations, literature and history examine how past and present debates bring knowledge and understanding with regard to shifting demographic, economic, political, cultural and environmental realities. Because the program — entirely taught in English — is a diverse, challenging and enriching academic experience, it offers students a unique opportunity to acquire knowledge and skills to tackle complex issues in a multicultural environment.  

A flexible program

This program is designed to fit all profiles of students. Whether you are fully enrolled in a specific academic program of our university, or visiting as an international or exchange student, you can choose to attend all the courses of the program or select those you are more interested in. Each course is credited with a number of ECTS which will be acquired after successful completion of the course. These courses can complete a learning agreement/plan of study with courses taken in other programs. Several options are offered, depending on your needs and objectives :

  • When the full program (all the courses and the final research paper, over the full year) is successfully completed, you will be awarded the European Studies Certificate, issued by the University of Limoges.
  • The completion of the program can be a one-year project or be accomplished as part of an international minor or simply as a supplement over several semesters (typically for students already enrolled in a full program).
  • Exchange students can add any portion of the program to their learning agreement/study plan and receive the ECTS credits for each course.
  • International/exchange students can complete the European Studies program with other courses in accordance with their needs and the requirements of their university : French as a foreign language and/or any other course offered at the University of Limoges.

Study program

The full program covers a number of important topics, divided into 2 clusters:

  • The Autumn term will cover more general topics with the aim of bringing a basic understanding of Europe as a concept and the history, organization and functioning of European institutions
  • The Spring term will focus on topics with an emphasis on specific challenges : migrations and security
  • European Institutions – Lukasz Stankiewicz / Faculty of Law
  • European Economic Space – Céline Meslier & Olivier Dubos / Faculty of Law
  • Historical and legal perspectives of migration – Emilie Chevalier / Faculty of Law
  • European Union in the Media – Denis-Henri Faguet / Faculty of Arts
  • European Cultural Space -Bertrand Westphal & Till Kuhnle / Faculty of Arts
  • European Territories – TBA / Faculty of Arts

The program at a glance

  • A program running over 2 semesters that can be fully or partially completed
  • A certification after full completion of the program
  • A comprehensive range of European issues focusing on core and specific subjects
  • A total of up to 52 credits and 180 contact hours
  • A team of experts from academia and other institutions.

Coordinators

Calendar

The program will follow the university calendar (subject to change) :

  • 2020 Autumn term :  September 7, 2020 – December 18, 2020
  • 2020 Spring term : January 20, 2020 – May 15, 2020

Location

  • Faculty of Law and Economics 5 rue Félix Eboué 87031 Limoges
  • Faculty of Arts and Humanities 36E rue Camille Guérin 87031 Limoges