%O Copyright © 2010 Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics %X We analyze explicit Runge–Kutta schemes in time combined with stabilized finite elements in space to approximate evolution problems with a first-order linear differential operator in space of Friedrichs type. For the time discretization, we consider explicit second- and third-order Runge–Kutta schemes. We identify a general set of properties on the space stabilization, encompassing continuous and discontinuous finite elements, under which we prove stability estimates using energy arguments. Then we establish $L^2$-norm error estimates with quasi-optimal convergence rates for smooth solutions in space and time. These results hold under the usual CFL condition for third-order Runge–Kutta schemes and any polynomial degree in space and for second-order Runge–Kutta schemes and first-order polynomials in space. For second-order Runge–Kutta schemes and higher polynomial degrees in space, a tightened 4/3-CFL condition is required. Numerical results are presented for smooth and rough solutions. The case of finite volumes is briefly discussed. %K first-order PDEs, transient problems, stabilized finite elements, discontinuous Galerkin, explicit Runge-Kutta schemes, stability, convergence %N 6 %J SIAM Journal on Numerical Analysis %L discovery1384729 %P 2019-2042 %D 2010 %T Explicit Runge–Kutta Schemes and Finite Elements with Symmetric Stabilization for First-Order Linear PDE Systems %A E Burman %A A Ern %A MA Fernandez %V 48