The general purpose of FRE 260 is twofold: to foster the acquisition of knowledge about contemporary French institutions and culture and to enable you to further develop your linguistic skills in French. We will apply a comparative lens as we concentrate on key aspects of identity and society in metropolitan France, keeping the following question top-of-mind: “Qu’est-ce qu’être français aujourd’hui?” We will distinguish between generalizations and cultural stereotypes, looking at ways in which the French represent themselves to others, and how they often appear to the rest of the world. We will also consider some of the societal and political forces that are shaping everyday life in the 21st century and try to define what constitutes a French perspective on key issues, both domestic and international. To summarize our global course objective: you will be deepening your understanding of French identity and society while simultaneously honing your capacity to analyze, articulate, debate, and defend ideas in French.
- Teacher: Carole Kruger