Modern France and the Francosphere

Catalog description

This course offers an exploration of France’s political, social, and cultural evolution from the establishment of the Third Republic (1870) to the present, with special attention to its complex relationship with the Francophone world. We will study the key events and ideologies that have shaped modern France, including the impact of colonialism, the two World Wars, and the development of the European Union. The course will also emphasize the Francosphere (i.e. countries and regions influenced by French culture and language), by examining how French colonialism, decolonization, and global Francophone communities have influenced both France and the broader world. We will explore how the Francophone regions in Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific have developed unique cultural identities while maintaining a connection to the French language and traditions. Topics such as post-colonialism, immigration, and multiculturalism will be examined to understand contemporary challenges facing France and its global influence. Taught in English. Category: Interconnections - D