Module description
This module provides an introduction of the modern French state. Ranging chronologically from the 1930's to the present day, it surveys the historical and cultural contexts of modern French politics including the Second World War, decolonisation, the May '68 and Gilets Jaunes protests. Drawing on secondary literature and primary texts from the likes of Frantz Fanon and X, it provides an overview of political traditions and institutions, as well as examining some key policy issues and controversies that shape political debate in contemporary France
*Please note that module information is provisional and may change from year to year.
Assessment details
One 1500 word essay (15%) and one 2000 word essay (85%)
Educational aims & objectives
- Introduce students to the study of modern French politics and history
- Deepen students’ understanding of the importance of key concepts like republicanism, nationalism, and secularism
- Develop students’ understanding of the relationship between French history and contemporary French politics and political issues
- Critically evaluate political ideas, institutions, processes, and movements from a French perspective
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module, students will:
- Demonstrate an ability to critically engage with the key concepts and theories in modern French politics and history
- Be able to critically engage with and evaluate the role and importance of France in European and global politics
- Understand aspects of change and continuity in modern French history and politics
Transferrable skills:
- Through class and small group discussions, students will develop advanced skills of argumentation and the ability to clearly and persuasively communicate their ideas
- By engaging with complex texts and ideas, students will develop critical reasoning and analytical skills
- By writing their essays, students will learn to construct coherent arguments drawing on engagement with complex primary and secondary literature
Teaching pattern
Two hours per week, one lecture and one seminar
Weekly topic breakdown
- Introduction
Week 1 will provide an introduction to the key themes and issues in modern French history and politics. Some students will not have studied the topic before, so it is important to provide some background.
- Revolution
Week 2 looks at the key theme of revolution, from the perspective of the social, political, and economic breakdown of the 1930s. It will cover the Popular Front and fascist ligues. We will discuss the reasons why the French state underwent such profound changes in the twentieth century.
- Nationalism
Week 3 looks at nationalism through the prism of the Second World War. Students will discuss issues of resistance and collaboration and be introduced to the figure of Charles de Gaulle. The seminar will be spent on the post-war period and the ‘resistance myth’, discussing the role played by nationalism and mythmaking in the creation of post-war France.
- Decolonisation
Week 4 looks at the end of the French overseas empire and particularly the decolonisation war in Algeria. Students will gain an understanding of the impact of imperialism upon colonised countries and the process of decolonisation, as well as connecting this to contemporary issues such as immigration and memory.
- The Fifth Republic
Week 5 will introduce students to the current French constitution, the Fifth Republic. We will examine its origins, its structures, and the various reforms that have been made to it since 1958. The seminar will discuss the issue of the presidency.
- Protest
Week 6 examines protest in modern France, from May ’68 to the Gilets Jaunes. We will discuss issues such as youth culture, workers’ movements and unions, and the environment. This will be connected back to earlier discussions on the role of revolution in French politics and society.
- Political Parties
Week 7 looks at the classic structures of modern French politics through the lens of political parties. Students will examine the decline of the main political parties of the left and right, and Emmanuel Macron’s challenge from the centre. The seminar will discuss local politics and the persistence of the party system.
- Challenges to the Mainstream
Week 8 looks at challenges to the mainstream of French politics. Students will examine the role of communism in twentieth-century France, as well as current challenges to the mainstream in the form of Jean-Luc Mélenchon’s France Insoumise and Marine Le Pen’s Rassemblement National. The week will conclude with a discussion of cleavages in French politics, and whether the left-right divide retains any relevance.
- Republicanism
Week 9 examines French Republicanism. Students will come to understand the genesis and promulgation of the French Republican model, its principal characteristics, as well as its political consequences. We will look at the Republican model’s involvement in issues such as racism and Islamophobia.
- France in the World
Week 10 concludes the module by looking at France’s evolving role on the world stage. It examines France’s historic and current involvement in the European Union. We will also look at globalisation, and how this issue continues to affect French politics.
*please note module can change from year to year and the above should be used as an indication
Suggested reading list
All core material will be available to students via KEATS