Department of French and Italian

This course offers an introduction to twentieth‑ and twenty-first century French society, politics, and identity in a global and trans-Atlantic perspective. After initially covering basic notions of history, geography, and national culture, we will focus on the place of various minority groups, their often unequal status, and their struggle to achieve equality in French society. Topics addressed will include the memory of colonialism, immigration, racism / civil rights, secularism / religion (especially Islam), persistent forms of class and gender inequality, health care, and the redistribution of wealth through taxation. By learning about France, we will address a set of broader goals: to gain new critical perspectives on American culture, society, and politics through comparison with France; to draw out and question assumptions that underlie American and French culture; to develop critical-thinking and problem-solving skills using inter-cultural knowledge and the analysis of different forms of mass media (film, cartoons, television).

Taught in English

IUB GenEd A&H credit
IUB GenEd World Culture credit

FRIT-F 225    #30868        11:30A-12:45P       TR      AD A151      Prof. Brett Bowles

• A&H
• GCC
• What are CASE requirements?