SHS program orientation

"A human and social science program was launched at EPFL
with a view to make for responsible students.
It is our School's duty to educate top scientists
who will become women and men ready to serve society."

Patrick Aebischer, EPFL President - January 2004

The SHS teaching program is intended for EPFL students enrolled in all sections of the three-year Bachelor program as well as the first year of the Master program. It was specifically developed for EPFL students.

Created to be as relevant as possible to the various fields of students' studies, the program offers a wide range of classes aimed at developing cultural, intellectual and pragmatic skills that will allow the future professionals to interact in a complex environment.

Cultural skills are needed for a better understanding of the habits, norms and values of national and social environments in which engineers, scientists, executive workers and entrepreneurs are increasingly required to work.

Pragmatic skills can help one to learn the rules and practices of the field in which one works; they may be psychological or collaborative and can be helpful in improving teamwork, managing relationships with colleagues and the exercise of authority.

Intellectual skills are acquired via the analysis of the complex human and social phenomena that allow one to learn different ways of thinking and of approaching various problems.

Students are free to choose the classes they wish. For the purpose of orientation, the program is structured according to the following major areas :

Cultures and Civilizations

Individuals and Societies

Production Systems

Reflexivity and Knowledge

Arts and Aesthetics

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