Design the blueprint for an inspirational summer...
It couldn’t be easier to cherry-pick a programme of study to match your unique interests and learning goals. If you are studying French, La Catho also offers a selection of electives targeted at French speakers. Designed to improve your linguistic skills, you will gain practical experience to become more confident when communicating in different situations.
Courses are offered over two sessions: ESP 1 and ESP 2.
*Please note: some courses are offered in English, French and some in both languages
Pick ONE morning class elective from the list below:
All class-times are the same: 9:00am – 12:00 noon and are offered either ESP 1 or ESP 2
Liberal Arts Courses
1. World Class Museums
Contact Hours: 39 | English | ESP 1 & 2
Class time: 9.00 am – 12.00 noon | Number of credits: 6 ECTS/3 US credits
It couldn’t be easier to cherry-pick a programme of study to match your unique interests and learning goals. If you are studying French, La Catho also offers a selection of electives targeted at French speakers. Designed to improve your linguistic skills, you will gain practical experience to become more confident when communicating in different situations.
An interactive course to develop the methodology and practical tools needed to manage projects in fields ranging from engineering and science to management and communication.
2. Understanding Challenges of Climate Change*
Contact Hours: 39 | French and English | ESP 1
Class time: 9.00 am – 12.00 noon | Number of credits: 6 ECTS/3 US credits
Gain a better understanding of the causes and consequences of climate change while considering adaptation and mitigation strategies focusing on French and European examples.
*This course will include 18 hours of French language instruction and 21 hours concerning climate change.
Courses Taught in French Only
3. French Language & Culture*
Contact Hours: 42 | French | ESP 1 & 2
Class time: 9.00 am – 12.00 noon | Number of credits: 6 ECTS/3 US credits
This course covers reading and listening, comprehension, written and oral expression, and vocabulary and grammar at varied levels, through practical written and oral work, discussions, presentations and debates, role-play, and writing short essays and summaries.
*An initial placement activity will sort students from beginner to advanced levels.
Note: All ESP students will take mandatory modules of Intercultural Communication or Survival French Language, depending on their selected morning course. These modules count towards the students’ overall programme attendance/participation.
Pick ONE afternoon class elective from the list below:
All class-times are the same: 1:00 – 4:00 pm
Liberal Arts Courses
1. World Class Museums
Contact Hours: 39 | English | ESP 1 & 2
Class time: 1:00 – 4:00 pm | Number of credits: 6 ECTS/3 US credits
An introduction to art and art history through an overview of the cultural heritage and museums of the Lille region in the heart of Europe. Many class sessions will take place within the museums themselves.
2. European Humanism: Light and Shadow of a Common History
Contact Hours: 39 | English | ESP 1
Class time: 1:00 – 4:00 pm| Number of credits: 6 ECTS/3 US credits
This course offers an immersive experience around Europe. It leads students to question the idea of a European common history and highlights its light and shadow. It will give students keys to understanding current European issues through the interweaving of European political, social, and cultural history, from Antiquity to contemporary European construction.
3. Introduction to French & Francophone Women Writers
Contact Hours: 39 | English | ESP 1
Class time: 1:00 – 4:00 pm | Number of credits: 6 ECTS/3 US credits
An introduction to literary representation of gendered experiences in a range of leading contemporary female French-speaking writers.
4. Film on the Western Front
Contact Hours: 39 | English | ESP 1
Class time: 1:00 – 4:00 pm | Number of credits: 6 ECTS/3 US credits
Awaiting syllabus.
5. Techniques of Illustration and Colour Studies
Contact Hours: 39 | English | ESP 2
Class time: 1:00 – 4:00 pm | Number of credits: 6 ECTS/3 US credits
A practical and theoretical introduction to illustration for comics. This course will provide drawing lessons (anatomy, live model, charadesign), concept design, colours studies, narrative illustration and some basics in digital animation. A small comic or fanzine will be produced at the end.
6. Thinking-With the World: Making, Experience and Contemporary French Thought
Contact Hours: 39 | English | ESP 2
Class time: 1:00 – 4:00 pm | Number of credits: 6 ECTS/3 US credits
Awaiting syllabus.
Business & Communication Courses
1. Building a Culture of Innovation
Contact Hours: 39 | English | ESP 1 & 2
Class time: 1:00 – 4:00 pm | Number of credits: 6 ECTS/3 US credits
Students explore design thinking, creativity, corporate culture, HR strategy and innovation. The course includes case studies, field visits and applied workshops to understand how organisations foster innovative environments.
2. From Idea to Cash: Generative AI for Entrepreneurial Innovation
Contact Hours: 39 | English | ESP 1 & 2
Class time: 1:00 – 4:00 pm | Number of credits: 6 ECTS/3 US credits
This course examines how generative AI transforms entrepreneurship. Students learn foundational AI concepts, ethical considerations, European AI regulations, and how to create AI-driven business strategies. A group project and company visit enhance learning.
3. International Teamwork & Communication
Contact Hours: 39 | English | ESP 1 & 2
Class time: 1:00 – 4:00 pm | Number of credits: 6 ECTS/3 US credits
A theoretical and practical introduction to the issues that inform teamwork and communication within an international and intercultural environment.
Political Science & Law Courses
1. European Union Policy Making
Contact Hours: 39 | English | ESP 1 & 2
Class time: 1:00 – 4:00 pm | Number of credits: 6 ECTS/3 US credits
An introduction to the European Union, its policies, interactions with Member States, and the varied economic, social, and environmental problems it faces. This course includes a visit to the interactive Parlamentarium in Brussels.
2. Introduction to European Studies: History, Politics and Society
Contact Hours: 39 | English | ESP 1
Class time: 1:00 – 4:00 pm | Number of credits: 6 ECTS/3 US credits
A broad overview of current and classical themes of European integration concerning current challenges faced by the EU, Member States, and their interactions with the rest of the world. This course includes a visit to the interactive Parlamentarium in Brussels.
Health Studies Courses
1. Health: A Common Good
Contact Hours: 39 | English | ESP 2
Class time: 1:00 – 4:00 pm | Number of credits: 6 ECTS/3 US credits
Examine how health needs are understood and addressed in our societies in relation to various disciplines, including sociology, anthropology, and economics.
Sustainability & The Sciences Courses
1. Case Studies Environmental Science
Contact Hours: 39 | English | ESP 1
Class time: 1:00 – 4:00 pm | Number of credits: 6 ECTS/3 US credits
This foundational science course examines ecosystems, biodiversity, energy, pollution, agriculture and climate change. It includes laboratory work and a full-day field trip for applied environmental learning.
2. Energy Transition and Renewable Energies
Contact Hours: 39 | English | ESP 2
Class time: 1:00 – 4:00 pm | Number of credits: 6 ECTS/3 US credits
Students learn about renewable energy sources including solar, wind and biomass. The course covers energy systems, sustainability, life-cycle costing and practical applications through labs and site visits.
Taught in French Courses
1. Communication Française (minimum A2+)
Contact Hours: 39 | French | ESP 1 & 2
Class time: 1:00 – 4:00 pm | Number of credits: 6 ECTS/3 US credits
This course aims to advance student skills and knowledge in relation to the French language of gesture, idioms, expressions of opinion, judgement, and agreement/disagreement, in a variety of cultural and social situations.
2. Le Cinéma Franco-Belge Contemporain (minimum B2+)
Contact Hours: 39 | French | ESP 1
Class time: 1:00 – 4:00 pm | Number of credits: 6 ECTS/3 US credits
An overview of French and Belgian film, cultures, film vocabulary, formal film analysis, and film theory, across period and genre, and through a variety of critical lenses.
*All courses are subject to availability.
Electives
Stay tuned! Dates and times for 2026 will be announced soon
Sustainable Cities
Contact Hours: 39 | English | ESP 1
