Sciences Po: Years 1 and 2

First Year

The first year of the Sciences Po BA offers an introduction to the social sciences and humanities. Students gain theoretical and methodological foundations in the core disciplines of economics, history, humanities, law, political science and sociology. On the regional campuses, first year courses may be approached from a specific geographical perspective. In addition to introductory classes, varied and diverse course offerings introduce students to multidisciplinary instruction and the links between academic disciplines and contemporary issues.

Students complement their in-class learning with practical field experiences including group projects, negotiations simulations, and study trips. Under the supervision of a faculty advisor, students kick off their civic learning programme with a one-month professional internship (at the end of the year) in a public, private, or nonprofit context.

Second Year

The second year is dedicated to more advanced study of fundamental disciplines introduced in the first year – and their accompanying theories and methodologies. In second year, students choose one of three majors: Economies and Societies, Political Humanities, or Politics and Government. Students continue to complete the compulsory core curriculum and begin coursework for their chosen major. Courses in the major may be linked to a regional concentration and taught in one of the languages spoken in the region of focus of the campus.

Coursework in the major also includes disciplinary and multidisciplinary courses as well as methodology workshops designed for each major. All students complement their in-class learning with field experience including group projects, negotiations simulations, and study trips.