Course description

In a global context marked by increasing threats to individual freedoms and growing scepticism toward scientific expertise, preserving knowledge and promoting critical inquiry have become essential. The Academic Freedom course explores the conditions that can either foster or hinder research and teaching, while offering a deeper understanding of how these issues directly affect democratic societies.

Throughout the course, students will attend expert lectures and engage with guest speakers in an interactive format that goes beyond traditional teaching methods. Through group work on assigned readings, participants are encouraged to contribute actively, enriching discussions and learning collaboratively. The course thus provides a dynamic and participatory experience at the heart of contemporary debates.
 

Learning outcomes

This course aims to: 

  • Explain the foundational principles of academic freedom ;
  • Critically analyse the contexts and drivers of threats to academic freedom ;
  • Demonstrate the capacity to act as engaged citizens in protecting a key foundation of democracy, justice, and global health ;
  • Collaborate effectively in intercultural and interdisciplinary teams on issues that concern them both as students and as citizens.
     

Programme

The programme promotes interdisciplinarity and civic responsibility. Running weekly from 19 October to 8 December 2026, it will feature specialists from several disciplines addressing the history, challenges, and protection of academic freedom.

Mondays and Tuesdays, 4:15-5:45, from October 19 to December 8
 

Full Additional information

  • Kick-off session: October 19
  • Session 1: October 26 (tutorial) and 27 (lecture): S. Cœuré
  • Session 2: November 2 (tutorial) and 3 (lecture): C. Matthes
  • Session 3: Novembers 9 (tutorial) and 10 (lecture): L. Bombardi Mies
  • Session 4: November 16 (tutorial) and 17 (lecture): Stipe Odak
  • Session 5: November 23 (tutorial) and 24 (lecture): Éric Fassin
  • Session 6: November 30 (tutorial) and December 1 (lecture): Nemanja Džuverović
  • Closing session (4:15-5:15pm): December 7 (tutorial) and 8 (round table & discussion with Open Campus Academic Chairs Hannes Grandits, HU Berlin; Sophie Maisonneuve, UPCité; Anne-Lise Sibony, UC Louvain).
     
  • Larissa Bombardi Mies, Geographer, Friction Project – Agroecology LAB – ULB (Université Libre de Bruxelles): “Academic Freedom under Threat: Scientific Dissent, Chemical Colonialism and Corporate Power”.
  • Sophie Cœuré, Historian, Université Paris Cité: “Academic Freedom: Cold War Politics and Legacies”;
  • Nemanja Džuverović, Political Scientist, University of Belgrade: "Student Protests in Serbia: The Case of Academic Freedoms or Coloured Revolution";
  • Eric Fassin, Sociologist, Université Paris 8: “Against Bullshit: Academic Freedom and the Democratic Politics of Truth”;
  • Claudia Matthes, Political Scientist, Humboldt University of Berlin: “Academic Freedom and Science Diplomacy. Collaboration among Universities in Times of Democratic Backsliding";
  • Stipe Odak, Ethician & Theologist, UCLouvain: “Inter-Prêt-à-Porter: Academic Freedom Between Declaration and Ideal”.

The course awards 3 ECTS. Students are assessed through continuous evaluation.
Before each lecture, students participate in group study sessions to prepare the readings. They are expected to:

  • Answer questions on the readings (2 papers per session)
  • Drafting 3 questions to ask to the guest lecturers 

For questions related to the course, please contact: sophie.maisonneuve@u-pariscite.fr

For questions related to funding, ECTS recognition, mobility, or other course-related matters, please contact the Circle U. office at your home university:

Application procedure

Send your CV and your cover letter via the link below
Apply before 15 September

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