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

Project Management for Everyone

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.

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.

Pick ONE afternoon class elective from the list below:

All class-times are the same: 1:00 – 4:00 pm

Liberal Arts Courses

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.

Multilingualism in Education

Contact Hours: 39 | English | ESP 1 

Class time: 1:00 – 4:00 pm | Number of credits: 6 ECTS/3 US credits

This course will provide an insight into multilingualism by reviewing historical language contact, sociological perspective, and the prevalence/variety of languages worldwide. This course will then examine different education and multilingualism models from around the world.

Introduction to Art and Cinema

Contact Hours: 39 | English | ESP 2

Class time: 1:00 – 4:00 pm| Number of credits: 6 ECTS/3 US credits

An overview of French art and cinema and the study of visual cultures. Discuss how to interpret art forms (whether a painting, a photograph, or a film) from different periods of French history. Educational visits are included.

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.

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.

The Contentious Relationship Between Science and Religion: Historical, Theological, Methodological and Ethical Perspectives 

Contact Hours: 39 | English | ESP 1 

Class time: 1:00 – 4:00 pm | Number of credits: 6 ECTS/3 US credits

This course shall explore the relationship between science and religion in the West, including the mutual implications, the places where developments in one may benefit the other, and the possibility that the two can be harmonized. We will explore the relationship between scientific and theological methods and modes of knowledge, and considers some of the central topics of Christian theology in the light of modern scientific evidence and theories.

AI-Powered Entrepreneurship: From Idea to Startup

Contact Hours: 39 | English | ESP 1&2

Class time: 1:00 – 4:00 pm | Number of credits: 6 ECTS/3 US credits

This course offers a comprehensive understanding of how AI technologies can be strategically harnessed to catalyze innovation and drive entrepreneurial ventures. Rooted in academic research and practical application, this course provides a structured pathway for students to conceptualize, develop, and launch AI-driven startups.

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 comics or fanzine will be produced at the end.

Business & Communication Courses

Corporate Culture, Human Resources & Innovation

Contact Hours: 39 | English | ESP 1 & 2

Class time: 1:00 – 4:00 pm | Number of credits: 6 ECTS/3 US credits

Investigate the role of Human Resources as a strategic and innovative business partner. Explore the influence of Corporate Culture on an organisation’s agility and the promotion of innovation, diversity, and well-being.

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.

International Marketing & Communication

Contact Hours: 39 | English | ESP 1 & 2

Class time: 1:00 – 4:00 pm | Number of credits: 6 ECTS/3 US credits

Have you ever considered the challenges faced by international marketers when trying to communicate their message to an increasingly globalised audience? Students will examine, analyse, and discuss contemporary advertising campaign strategies.

Political Science & Law Courses

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.

Introduction to European Studies: History, Politics, and Society

Contact Hours: 39 | English | ESP 2

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.

European Security Architecture and Conflicts in Europe

Contact Hours: 39 | English | ESP 2

Class time: 1:00 – 4:00 pm | Number of credits: 6 ECTS/3 US credits

The main objective of the course is to familiarize the students with the philosophical and diplomatic disagreements on European security and the main reasons of the conflicts in Europe, with a view of wider European security architecture. The course will also discuss the role of international organizations (OSCE, EU, UN) and actors (EU, USA, Russia) in tackling European security dilemmas and conflict resolution processes.

Health Studies Courses

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

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

This course examines how health needs are understood and addressed in our societies in relation to various disciplines, including sociology, anthropology, economics, and more, in order to help nourish critical thinking regarding the place of health in our home societies.

Sustainable Cities

Contact Hours: 39 | English | ESP 1 

Class time: 1:00 – 4:00 pm | Number of credits: 6 ECTS/3 US credits

 A theoretical and practical examination of sustainability issues facing cities globally. Discuss sustainability-related solutions and imagine new ones through study visits, meetings with professionals, creativity sessions, and prototyping activities. 

Current Practices in Renewable Energy

Contact Hours: 39 | English | ESP 2

Class time: 1:00 – 4:00 pm | Number of credits: 6 ECTS/3 US credits

An introduction to the fundamentals of energy with an overview of renewable energies and their application, including solar, wind, biomass, and other sources.

Brewing Technology and Marketing: the Nordist Expertise

Contact Hours: 39 | English | ESP 1

Class time: 1:00 – 4:00 pm | Number of credits: 6 ECTS/3 US credits

For centuries, the North of France has been renowned for its brewing industry. This course offers a global approach to brewing technology, marketing, and sales through local case studies, site visits, and active learning. Students will have the opportunity to brew their own beer in the JUNIA ISA micro-brewery.

Launching your Impact Venture

Contact Hours: 39 | English | ESP 2

Class time: 1:00 – 4:00 pm | Number of credits: 6 ECTS/3 US credits

This course has the ambition to inspire and equip future leaders with the mindset and the tools to address pressing societal challenges through entrepreneurship. This course will guide you through the essential steps of structuring a social business project, from identifying critical issues from a sustainability perspective to developing ideas that will make a positive impact on our societies.

Courses Taught in French Only

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.

Le Nord et la Belgique au Cinéma (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.

 
At A Glance
Summer in France
Dates
May 24-June 22 (session 1)
June 22-July 26 (session 2)
May 24 -July 26 (session 1 and 2)

*These are summer semester start dates, not dates of arrival. Please talk to an advisor for arrival dates and airfare booking.

Duration
4 weeks or 8 weeks
What's included?

Airfare, materials for class, in-country transportation, laundry, some meals, and spending money aren’t included.