FRENCH 207 Perspectives on French Culture and Society
Topic 2008-09: French Identity in the Age of Globalization

In this introduction to French society and culture, we will examine France’s identity crisis  in the 21st century. From its historical position of political, economic, and intellectual leadership in Europe and the world, France is searching to maintain its difference as a defender of quality over mass appeal and the proud values of its national tradition in the face of increasing globalization. Topics covered include Franco-American relations, the European Union, immigration, the family, and the role of women in French society. Readings are drawn from a variety of sources: historical, sociological, and ethnographic. Magazine and newspaper articles, along with television programs and films will provide supplementary information.
Prerequisite: 202 or 203, an SAT II score of 650-680, an equivalent departmental placement score, or an AP score of 4

Given the comparative perspective of this course, we will begin by studying American stereotypes of the French as well as French stereotypes of Americans. Next, we will explore the way in which the French define themselves, examining such topics as French attitudes toward their language, geography, and history, as well as toward the state, money, and food. 

We will then continue our survey of contemporary French society and culture, taking care to situate issues of current interest within an historical framework. The major challenge facing the French today is related to the globalization of their culture and economy. Franco-American relations as well as France’s role in the European Union are the product of French attitudes toward its past: witness the recent “hamburger wars” of a few years ago and even more recent debate about Iraq.  The impact of immigrant culture, in particular, Islamic culture, has led to the emergence of a multicultural identity which challenges the traditional notion of  “France, une et indivisible,” inherited from the French Revolution and reinforced by the republican school system, established in the 1880s. The meritocratic discourse of the republican schools still resonates today, although these schools seem to reinforce social inequalities rather than transcend them. Women, too, in spite of egalitarian rhetoric, lag behind their European sisters in terms of representation in French politics, although legislation has been passed recently to help rectify this situation.  All in all, France faces many difficult problems as it enters the twenty-first century.  

 Readings:

Wylie et Brière, Les Français (textbook); “Les Droits de L’Homme”; Charles De Gaulle, Mémoires (excerpt)

Yamina Benguigui, Mémoires d’immigrés  (excerpts); Hergé

Articles from the French and American press

 Films: La Haine, Chacun cherche son chat  or Un Air de famille

 Assignments:  Three short papers on a film or text studied in class and a final research paper.