FRENCH 525
Introduction to French Culture and Civilization
- Gain a greater understanding of and appreciation for French people and culture; understand and reflect upon the French contemporary “way of life”, customs and realities, as well as what the French call “mentalities”.
- Acquire a greater awareness of similarities and differences between their own cultural traditions and those of the French.
- Become more at ease speaking about France, and communicating appropriately with and about the French.
A GATEWAY INTO UNDERSTANDING FRENCH BEHAVIORS AND INSTITUTIONS
Foreigners looking at France from the perspective of their own cultural values often perceive contradiction in the collective behavior of the French: they work less, and still, they are the most productive among modern countries; they have the longest and prosperous life expectancy in the world, and still they seem to be the unhappiest; they have a cool, intellectual, even blasé collective attitude, and still they invented one of the most opaque administrations; they are proud bearers of a cultural norm considered extremely advanced, and still, they are perceived as rude and arrogant. All these contradictions have led to wildly divergent viewpoints about France, from adoration to rejection and disdain.
This course offers students an interdisciplinary approach to reaching a better understanding of these contradictions, by placing French behavior and attitudes in their own context, and explaining why long-standing traditions within France give coherence to French reactions when seen from within their society. Students will explore the historical roots of French institutions, will learn about how past has shaped the present, and will consider the sweeping changes in French society over the past few decades.
To accomplish this, students have created research projects about challenging topics pertaining to French culture. This website is intended to disseminate the results of their research.