University of Paris X - Nanterre
Each spring two NYU Law students may study law at the University of Paris X. All courses are conducted in French. Neither NYU nor the University of Paris will test students' language fluency. Therefore, only those students who are secure in their ability to speak and write in French should apply.
This relatively new branch of the University is located on a modern campus in Nanterre, a district about 20 minutes by subway (RER) from midtown Paris. The campus includes several different "faculties" or schools plus various support facilities. The law faculty has its own building and library. Most classrooms, though modern, are large by American standards and require an amplified sound system. For the most part, instruction is by lecture in the normal European manner. Students are expected to take copious notes, supplemented by varying amounts of outside reading. Virtually all classes are taught in French, and examinations (which may be written or oral) are conducted in French.
One of the unique features of the Paris X law school is its emphasis on international and comparative law studies. It offers a special master's degree in this concentration. All of the French students who complete it are required to be fluent in English and to spend one year studying in a common law country. Because of this program their curriculum is very rich in courses that would be of interest to an NYU student planning a career with an international orientation. Moreover, the dean and faculty have gone to considerable lengths to adapt their program to the needs of American exchange students. Notably, they offer a special section in European Community Law that is designed to familiarize Americans with European legal systems and thought generally. Also worth noting is a course in legal translation (French to English and English to French), which our students also must take.
Paris X has recently approved a tutorial program for American students. Students who desire it will receive free tutorial assistance from bilingual French doctoral candidates (who will be compensated by Paris X).
For specific information about this program, click here. Additional information is also available at the Paris X's Web site: www.u-paris10.fr.