FREN 408 - French Cultural Studies

This course, regardless of topic, is ideal for students planning to spend time in France, for students who want to include the study of France in various disciplines, from a cultural rather than an intermediary-advanced level.

Culture Française: La civilisation française en évolution from Lascaux to 1789: This course traces the cultural, philosophical, literary and sociological works and movements that move France from the early period of Lascaux to the French revolution 1789. It explores the multi-facets of each century through 1789. The reading list includes early documents on Lascaux, Charlemagne, Jeanne d’Arc, Cahterine de Médicis, Rabelais, Montaigne, Descartes, Me de Scudéry, the diaries of Louis XIV, Voltaire, Diderot, movies on French Revolution and French art from the early period to 1789. Taught in French. Offered alternative years.

La France contemporaine: histoire, culture et actualité: This course is designed for students who want to understand contemporary events and issues in France. The course includes a review of essential historical events that have shaped modern France, in particular the legacy of the French Revolution, the colonial empire, WWII and the French-Algerian War. These events have shaped all contemporary debates (i.e. the recent law regarding wearing religious symbols in schools, the October 2005 suburb riots, recent immigration laws, and many other topics). The course also studies the place of France in relationship with the United States and the European community. Some units focus on the production of French culture and various intellectual/artistic movements through a variety of up-to-date authentic materials: newspaper articles, films, ATV news, websites. Taught in French. Offered alternative years. Prerequisite(s): One 300-level course or placement test or permission of instructor. Offered next in 2015. (4 Credits)