Academic Program: Overview

SLC in Paris offers students exceptional opportunities to pursue their studies in the humanities, the social sciences and the arts. The breadth of these choices, combined with Sarah Lawrence’s highly personalized approach to education, make this Program a unique opportunity.

Your program will consist of four courses, for a total of 15 credits per semester. Two of your classes must be taken at Reid Hall: one seminar of your choice in the humanities or social sciences and an advanced French language course. Linguistic competency permitting, you may also select courses at institutions such as the Universities of Paris 4 and 7, the Institut Catholique, and the Institut d’Etudes Politiques.

In conjunction with Sarah Lawrence seminars, language classes and courses at French institutions, you will meet with your professors in individual conference sessions of varying frequency and length. Along with the range of disciplines and courses offered, the opportunity for students to work independently with their professors is an essential component of all academic courses at Sarah Lawrence, and in the Paris Program. These sessions allow you to discuss course material and guide you in the pursuit of your individual research projects.

If you are interested in taking a course in the visual and performing arts, you will have the opportunity to study at some of the finest schools in Paris.

Should you wish to specialize in the visual and performing arts or in the social sciences, you may consider applying to one of our intensive programs. These comprehensive programs include academic courses and practical training or fieldwork.

During the orientation periods, presentations on the various options offered in the Sarah Lawrence Program and academic meetings with the Program Director will help you tailor your academic program to best meet your interests, skills, potential, and overall academic development.

All courses are conducted exclusively in French and carry 4 credits, with the exception of the required language courses, which carry 3 credits. Two years of college French and a B average are necessary to apply to the Sarah Lawrence Program.

Students interested in courses or intensive programs at partner institutions should take note of these institutions’ respective calendars, as they may differ from the SLC calendar.