Introduction

The first step in cultivating your general knowledge is to shed any misconceptions. As Uncle Socrates once wisely noted, “The first knowledge is the knowledge of my ignorance: it’s the beginning of intelligence.”
That’s not just philosophy – it’s psychology too.

The Dunning-Kruger effect shows that people who know very little often think they know a lot, while those who are truly learning tend to feel uncertain. If you sometimes feel like you know ‘too little’, that’s actually a sign you’re on the right path.

Since general knowledge is often about who knows the most (which is rarely you), remember this when encountering those who boast about their expertise.

Now that we’ve clarified this point, let’s provide some essential insights to conclude this somewhat lengthy introduction:

The admission jury is not conducting a specialized edition of ‘Questions pour un champion’ (a French TV quiz show) for dual degree applicants. They won’t quiz you on obscure topics such as the Coriolis effect or Etruscan vases. What genuinely interests them is whether you possess curiosity about the world, which should naturally lead to having general knowledge that shines through during a discussion. If you don’t know the US president or look confused when someone mentions ‘separation of powers’, it’s a red flag.

Having said such general statements, the question that often plagues your thoughts is, “Do I have the level, the necessary knowledge, to succeed?”

The reassuring truth is that if you’ve had a genuine interest in the world for more than a week, engaged with news and world affairs, and paid attention in class, you already have the general knowledge needed. No need to memorize specific details like Leonardo Da Vinci’s birthdate or Iceland’s population.

Yes, there’s a certain level to achieve, and the majority of you likely already meet it. However, that doesn’t mean you should rest on your laurels. There’s always more to learn, primarily because enriching your general knowledge is a lifelong journey (at the very least).

The key question is not, “Do I know enough” but rather, “How can I keep learning in a meaningful way?”

Module 1: Defining Your Intellectual Interests

First and foremost, define your intellectual interests. Map out what intrigues you, where you feel most comfortable (what questions/issues/topics do I return to again and again?), and what you’re eager to delve into, be it through reading, filmwatching, listening, etc.
Prioritize your efforts accordingly: don’t aim to learn ‘everything’.

💡 Illustration

If you have absolutely no interest in the intricacies of NATO’s admission process, then decide that it is sufficient for you to know 1. when it was created and to what purpose, 2. who is in it at the moment and who wishes to enter/leave, 3. general issues raised by NATO still being alive in the 21st century. If military defense isn’t something you like, be it because you are a true pacifist or because you take more interest in the role world famous musicians play in the presidential election, then choose not to waste your time trying to inscribe in your brain precisely what steps a country should take to join NATO.

Two Working Axes

Next, let’s focus on two key strategies:

Delving Deeply into Three Dual Degree-Related Topics

Why precisely three topics? While the number is somewhat arbitrary, whether you prefer two, four, or five, the objective remains consistent: immerse yourself completely in your chosen subjects, keeping it manageable, and still enough to show depth and range. As you delve into each topic, you’ll realize that it demands a significant commitment of your time and energy. Even when your explorations lead you down various paths, you’ll inevitably return to these three core subjects.

💡 Illustration

When you introduce yourself by stating, “I’m interested in economics, history, and law,” it may not capture the jury’s attention. This response is rather common, and the jury hears it repeatedly – as every one of you will study economics, history and law at Sciences Po (and most likely at your partner university as well).

In contrast, imagine saying, “I have a profound passion for history. Ever since the Yellow Vest movement, I’ve been captivated by the Paris Commune and the early days of the Third Republic, seeking to unravel how the French people respond to inequality and power.”
Such a statement will undoubtedly pique the jury’s curiosity. They will likely respond with questions like, “Why the Commune? What have you discovered in your research? What are your thoughts on this topic?”
Consequently, your interview transforms into a dynamic conversation, allowing you to showcase your mastery and enthusiasm for a subject you genuinely love.

Examples of strong topics

“How the civil rights movement in the US connects to BLM today”

“The economic impact of climate migration in West Africa”

“The history of anarchist thought and its influence on modern activism”

✏️ NB :

your chosen topics should at the same time genuinely interest you, and be related both to your dual degree and to your chosen campus (it makes more sense to have a genuine interest in West Africa if you aim for the Reims campus rather than for the Havre campus).

Be Curious About Everything

Curiosity is like a muscle: the more you train it, the easier it becomes to engage with new topics – and make unexpected connections.
While we have stated previously, and we stand by it, that your chosen topics should genuinely interest you, keep in mind that one key request from the selection committee is the ability to scan the world widely – no need to go deep into each one of the themes you’ll come across, but stay up to date with general issues: watch documentaries on the impact the Algerian independence war has nowadays on the power in place, read opinion pieces from across the political spectrum, listen to news channels and podcasts on unfamiliar topics.

✏️ NB :

bear in mind each piece of information given is most likely seen through a specific lens – we all have political biases, and (most) journalists are no exception (‘The New Yorker’ won’t present breaking news the same way ‘FoxNews’ would).
It is a major force if you are already able to discern in a given piece of information if a political agenda stands behind. If you are not, no worries, but make sure to check which sources you use: many websites nowadays decrypt the big newspapers’ political stand, to help you make better-informed research. (https://www.allsides.com/media-bias/media-bias-chart)

Module 2: Choosing Your Topics

What counts as a ‘Dual Degree Topic’?

If it connects to how humans live together, govern themselves, or shape society – it counts. Sciences Po is broad, and so is your partner university.

You can pick from (non exhaustive list)

History

Economics
Law
Sociology
Political philosophy
Environment
Gender, race, identity,
Technology and ethics
Geopolitics
Science and its relation to society (e.g., AI, public health, bioethics)

Hence, our objective is to identify subjects that genuinely fascinate us, topics that ignite our intellectual curiosity and become our intellectual playground. Why? Because this strategy allows us to steer the jury’s focus toward these areas during the interview, creating an engaging atmosphere for both you and the jury. Your interview transforms from a mere question-and-answer session into a passionate discussion about a topic you adore, a conversation where you’re not just being tested but are actively sharing your profound knowledge.

Make it specific! Avoid overly broad topics like ‘The Environment’, and select a topic such as ‘How climate change affects indigenous communities in the Amazon’. Don’t choose to focus on ‘Europe’ as this encompasses each one of the categories we stated earlier, but rather select a topic like ‘Migration policy in the EU post-2015 refugee crisis’.

🌟 Tip:

Specific topics show depth. Broad topics show indecision, and will most likely be dealt with superficially.

Exercise 1:

Start brainstorming with these categories:

Historical figures/events
Contemporary debates
Authors or thinkers
Geographies or regions
Schools of thought
Political or social movements
Personal experiences or questions

There are many ways to approach this mapping. Keep in mind that you don’t need to identify all of them right away; some will come with reading, while others may fade. In any case, start with an initial brainstorming session.

Whether you are interested in understanding how France’s geology influences its regions’ wealth and diversity, or you wish to explore the Roman Empire and its reminiscences nowadays, what matters is that you dive in.

Some key points are useful when choosing which topics to focus on.

Choosing your Topic

Choose three topics from the list you generated earlier that resonate with your personal interests and experiences. Opt for topics that you can passionately articulate your enthusiasm for, whether due to their relevance to your life story or a distinctive aspect of your identity.

Ensure that your chosen trio of topics exhibits diversity and distinctiveness, preventing them from inadvertently converging into a single, indistinguishable research focus.

For instance, avoid selecting three closely related subjects like “Climate Change Mitigation,” “Renewable Energy Sources,” and “Environmental Policy,” as they might become too homogeneous and fail to showcase your versatility and depth of interest.

Exercise 2: Refine Your Selection

Ensure that your chosen trio of topics exhibits diversity and distinctiveness, preventing them from inadvertently converging into a single, indistinguishable research focus.

Module 3: Deep Diving

Mini-Bibliography

Start by spending 2-3 hours per topic finding and engaging with high-quality content.

Let’s consider the topic of climate change. It’s a subject with tremendous global significance and immediate relevance.

Starting with a climate change bibliography, here is an example of a far-from exhaustive list, to demonstrate the breadth of resources available on any topic.

First, let’s delve into substantial books. Climate Change is a complex issue with various perspectives, so it’s essential to grasp a wide range of viewpoints. Begin with “The Sixth Extinction” by Elizabeth Kolbert, an exploration of how climate change impacts biodiversity. Then, switch to a more optimistic perspective with “Drawdown” by Paul Hawken, which offers practical solutions to reverse climate change. For a historical context, “The Discovery of Global Warming” by Spencer Weart is an informative read.

If you prefer engaging materials, consider watching documentaries like “An Inconvenient Truth” by Al Gore, which has been instrumental in raising awareness. Pair it with “Before the Flood,” where Leonardo DiCaprio explores the effects of climate change worldwide. And for a thought-provoking take on climate change fiction, read “The Ministry for the Future” by Kim Stanley Robinson.

This forms the foundation for understanding Climate Change comprehensively. However, you can dive deeper by exploring the works of climate scientists like Katharine Hayhoe or environmental activists like Greta Thunberg. Their TED Talks and interviews offer valuable insights.

If you want to narrow your focus, consider examining a specific aspect of Climate Change, such as the impact on indigenous communities or wildlife conservation efforts. This allows you to create a mini-topic within your main subject, enhancing your expertise.

Additionally, explore visual media like documentaries and movies. Watch “Chasing Ice,” a visually stunning documentary capturing the rapid melting of glaciers, or “Our Planet” on Netflix, which showcases the beauty of our natural world while highlighting the urgent need for conservation.

Incorporate literature into your research, such as Barbara Kingsolver’s “Flight Behavior,” a novel that intertwines climate change with human stories. Alternatively, explore climate-themed graphic novels like “Climate Changed” by Philippe Squarzoni.

Connecting with current events

Now, here’s the crucial step: connecting your selected topic to current events. This not only demonstrates the relevance of your chosen subjects but also showcases your ability to engage with the world around you. As we all know, climate change is not a distant threat; it’s an urgent global crisis. You can easily tie this into recent news like extreme weather events, the latest climate reports, or international climate agreements. For instance, the outcomes of the soon-to-be COP30, the heatwaves in Southern Europe, or the wildfires in Canada.

General vs. Niche Topics: Exploring the Abundance of Resources

Now, you might argue that it’s easier to find materials on Climate Change, given its prominence. However, if you choose a topic like Artificial Intelligence’s ethical implications or the globalization of fast fashion, you might initially feel overwhelmed by the academic nature of these subjects. Nonetheless, your goal is to unearth materials that bridge these concepts with real-world applications.

For instance, the movie “Ex Machina” delves into AI ethics, while documentaries like “The True Cost” explore the social and environmental impacts of the fashion industry. Even novels like “Super Sad True Love Story” by Gary Shteyngart or watching “Her” with Jaoquin Phoenix and Scarlett Johansson can provide thought-provoking insights into AI and society’s future.

So, regardless of your chosen topic, whether it’s widely explored like Climate Change or seemingly niche, you’ll find an abundance of resources. The key is to curate your bibliography thoughtfully, immerse yourself in three chosen topics, think critically, and connect the dots. This approach will furnish you with a treasure trove of compelling insights to share with the admission jury.

🌟 Tip:

Never forget that choosing your sources is as important as choosing your subjects themselves.

💡 Illustration

If you are considering delving into migration issues, start by examining viewpoints from both right-wing and left-wing figures. It’s also crucial to cast your net wide and investigate perspectives from various countries, especially those within the purview of your Sciences Po campus. This approach enables you to draw connections between migration trends in different regions, such as the European Union and Africa.

Assessing the prospective quality of a resource before incorporating it into your bibliography may initially seem daunting. However, as you delve deeper into your research, your ability to discern valuable sources will naturally improve. You’ll develop a knack for recognizing reputable authors known for producing high-quality work.

Here’s a valuable strategy: many contemporary authors and scholars actively promote their works through talks, conferences, and interviews, often available on platforms like YouTube. A prudent approach is to seek out these concise introductions to an author’s ideas and core concepts. This initial exploration allows you to gauge whether their perspective aligns with your research objectives before including their work in your bibliography.

🌟 Tip:

After 3 or 4 hours for bibliography-crafting on each topic, you should superficially be able to explain

- Why the topic matters
- What experts say
- What questions it raises
- Potential solutions experts have crafted

Module 4: Establishing connections

💡 Illustration

“The Industrial Revolution changed society and the environment in ways that directly tie to today’s climate crisis”

“Colonialism didn’t just shape political borders – it continues to influence global inequality and cultural identity”

This helps you turn an interview into a conversation. The jury is much more interested in how you think, not just what you know.

Module 5: Cultivating Curiosity

The Power of Curiosity

You don’t need to stick to ‘academic’ content – let curiosity lead you, whether a novel set in 1950s Russia sparks ideas about totalitarianism and personal freedom, or a graphic novel about climate change leads you to investigate its author, or a podcast about medieval trade routes brings China’s New Silk Roads project to mind.

Embrace Eclectic Interests

Your curiosity should know no bounds. While your primary focus may be Sciences Po-related subjects, don’t shy away from exploring diverse intellectual and artistic domains. Whether it’s a documentary on autism, an art exhibition featuring an unfamiliar painter, or even a chance encounter with Neanderthal discoveries in Kurdistan, remain open to the myriad of opportunities to broaden your intellectual horizons.

Wander with Purpose

Wandering can be a purposeful endeavor. Allow your curiosity to guide you as you navigate a labyrinth of interconnected ideas. Dive into a topic that intrigues you, and let it lead you through an intricate web of knowledge. The path might seem indirect, but each detour contributes to your intellectual growth.

🌟 Tip:

Always ask yourself at the end of the day: “What is one thing I have learned today?”

Conclusion

As we wrap up this course, we want to attract your attention to the fact that it is up to you to choose how much time to allocate to improving your general knowledge. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this query. It ultimately depends on your personal capacity and interests, ranging anywhere from 2 to 15 hours per week.

To sum it up, the journey to enhancing your general knowledge isn’t about becoming an instant expert in every imaginable subject. It’s about nurturing an authentic curiosity about the world, prioritizing your intellectual passions, and delving deeper into areas that align with your academic and career aspirations.

Always keep in mind that the admissions committee at Sciences Po values candidates who embody curiosity, critical thinking, and a sincere enthusiasm for learning. So, embrace the process, enjoy the exploration, and let your intellectual journey flourish.