Academic Program

Academics

Students in the full-year program take a minimum of eight credits during the academic year, and fall or spring participants must take at least four credits which typically corresponds to 4 to 6 courses depending on the number of weekly contact hours.  All students receive Wellesley College course credits and a transcript for their study in France.

Each student organizes her/his own program of study in consultation with the Resident Director, who assists students in identifying relevant courses in the humanities, social sciences or science divisions. Students majoring in political science, economics, history or international relations may either enroll full-time at Sciences-Po Aix or combine AMU and IEP courses. Sciences Po also offers a year-long program that culminates in a special certificate or “Certificat d’études politiques” (CEP).

A number of WIA courses are also offered in translation and academic writing/methodology, art history, and international relations (spring). Art history offerings during the year consist of two different courses which focus on Provence and include site visits. Students typically enroll in four courses per semester and earn four units (16 credit hours) of Wellesley credit. Students who have met only the minimal French requirement for participation in the program may be required to enroll in the writing/methodology course, which includes grammar review and continued work on speaking and writing skills.

Final selection of courses is made in Aix after consultation with the Resident Director who acts as the academic advisor and primary interlocutor between WIA and the local universities.

Depending upon enrollments, WIA may offer enhanced matriculation courses or bi-monthly group tutorials with AMU or Sciences Po professors who meet with WIA students and provide additional methodological support and assignments for extra credit. A WIA tutor is also available by appointment to work with individual students or small groups on their academic writing and presentation skills.

Sciences-Po Aix

Students majoring in political science or international relations who have advanced French skills and are highly motivated may enroll in up to 2 lecture courses per semester at Sciences-Po in Aix. Students interested in taking courses at Sciences-Po must be able to work independently and also be prepared to take oral exams in French at the end of the semester. Certain courses are designed specifically for international students, but WIA participants are expected to take classes with French students and exclusively in French. All assignments must also be in French.