Kline in France: European Union Law
This one-credit course introduces Kline law students to the legal systems of France, which is based on civil law, the system used in most of the world, and of the European Union. Studying other legal traditions,helps students to develop a more nuanced and critical understanding of the American common law system. The course has three main components: (1) readings and a lecture on legal principles applicable in France and the European Union; (2) a one-week visit over spring break to the University of Rennes in Rennes, France that includes lectures on French and European Union law and expeditions to cultural and historic sites; (3) a final paper in which students analyze an aspect of French or European Union law and its differences from American law.
The City of Rennes is the capital of the Province of Brittany in Northwest France. It is a dynamic city where researchers, faculty and students make up about one third of the population. Majestic 18th century buildings overlook spacious public squares, houses dating from the Middle Ages line cobblestone streets, and beautiful parks offer scenic escapes. It is a two-hour trip from Paris by train and a one-hour trip by car from historic destinations such as Mont Saint-Michel and Saint-Malo, which are the locations of expeditions during the visit.
Credit/Registration
Students will be registered for spring semester course LAW T680S for 1 credit.
Faculty Leader
Professor Robert Field, Professor of Law and Professor of Health Management & Policy at the Dornsife School of Public Health.
Program Partner
University of Rennes, Faculty of Law and Political Science
March 16 - 21, 2025
*Students may extend their travel independently before or after program dates.
Students should plan to leave on March 13,14, or 15 to arrive in Rennes on March 16.
Tentative Itinerary:
| Day 0 |
Depart USA, arrive in Paris. Travel to Rennes |
| Day 1 |
Arrive in Rennes; program begins, get settled in hotel |
| Day 2 |
Welcome breakfast. tour of the Brittany Parliament building, which houses the Province’s courts; afternoon on your own |
| Day 3 |
Trip to Mont Saint-Michel |
| Day 4 |
Trip to Saint-Melo |
| Day 5 |
Lectures –
Anne Hamonic, European Union Citizenship
Philippe Pierre – Legal responsibility under French law in the digital age
Benjamin Boudou – Heroic citizenship |
| Day 6 |
Lecture –
Catherine Touche – Legal context of the French revolution
Afternoon: depart Rennes
Afternoon: depart Rennes to begin return to USA |
Due November 15th: $755 Advance Payment + $25 application fee
Included in Program Fee:
- Lodging in Rennes1 dorms for five nights (double occupancy)
- Program site visits
Estimated Costs Not Included in Program Fee
- 1 Kline credit
- Round trip airfare to France - ~ $950
- Transport to/from airport
- Meals - $350
- Passport - $135 (if not yet obtained)
- Visa (if applicable)
- Optional activities listed on the program itinerary, including entrance fees and day trips
- US citizens do not need a visa.
- For more information, please contact Dr. Robert Field, Professor of Law.
