Description
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----This course is intended to investigate current issues and debates taking place in France today, and to examine the way these issues are presented in the French and international media. The notions of French cultural identity and national citizenship will be looked at, as well as France’s relations with its European neighbors and with the rest of the world. To provide essential references in support of the discussions, the course will bring in background information on various aspects of France, its national iconography, its government and its political, social, demographic environment. At the same time the course will relate these facts to significant moments of the country’s recent history , such as the post-war period of recovery, the decolonization process, the construction of the Francophone community, the European Union project, students’ and workers’ upheavals, and the current debates related to immigration and integration.
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Course Objectives
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----> To offer an overview of contemporary France in key aspects and to discuss some of the major historic developments and events that have shaped the country.
> To better understand the current debates taking place today in the country. This will be achieved through a broad presentation of France, its geographical features, its institutions and customs, its people and society.
The lectures will be arranged as a series of discussions on selected topics which will include, where needed, insights into France’s history and evolution, so as to enable a better understanding of the country’s identity and characteristics today.
Another important objective of the course will be to review France’s current relationship with its European neighbours, as well as with the US. France’s relationship with China and Hong Kong will also be discussed.
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