21G.322J | Fall 2016 | Undergraduate

Frenchness in an Era of Globalization

Course Description

This course approaches the question of what constitutes Frenchness in today's era of globalization through issues of memory, belonging, and cultural production. It explores the role of timeless traditions – common technologies, an internationally-spoken language, monuments open to the world, and foods such as wine and …

This course approaches the question of what constitutes Frenchness in today’s era of globalization through issues of memory, belonging, and cultural production. It explores the role of timeless traditions – common technologies, an internationally-spoken language, monuments open to the world, and foods such as wine and cheese – that remain quintessentially French. The course also covers recent scandals about France’s role in the world, such as its colonial identity and Dominique Strauss-Kahn’s New York debacle.

Taught in French.

Learning Resource Types
Presentation Assignments
Written Assignments
A woman wearing a chador head-scarf smokes a cigarette with the Eiffel Tower in the background.
L’affaire de voile refers to the ongoing controversy over religious head coverings and dress in public institutions. (“Crimes of Fashion” courtesy of Gideon Wright on Flickr. License: CC BY.)