What is, or was, "French"? Is there, or was there ever, a "culture" of France? How to make sense of the cultural differences between the "French" and other groups? And in 2022, during which there will be presidential elections (note the plural) in France, are such questions still worth asking, or even relevant?
After examining France and the French as they are today, and also might have been in the past, successful students should better be able to: recognize the cultural hurdles to understanding the French, the rich context that forms and continues to problematize Frenchness, and the ways in which cultures can be misinterpreted and better revealed; appreciate the humanistic implications of focusing on a country and culture and the way in which relationships between various areas can provide perspective/s on knowledge; comprehend the value of questioning and learning through synthesis; gather, evaluate, interpret, and apply information to situations beyond the classroom; and evaluate data and place it within the broad context of French culture, whether entrenched, emerging, gender- and/or diversity-based.
In keeping with Cal Poly's learning objectives, successful students should also better be able to: think critically and creatively; communicate effectively; work productively as individuals and in groups; use their knowledge and skills to make a positive contribution to society; and make reasoned decisions based on an understanding of ethics, a respect for diversity, and an awareness of issues related to sustainability.
Successful students should, moreover: have developed intercultural competency in order to work productively both as individuals and in collaboration with others; gained perspective on cultural and historical achievements in French-speaking cultures as well as on relevant issues of diversity; cultivated awareness of ethical and professional perspectives that reflect linguistic and cultural heritage; and developed the life-long ability to evaluate ways in which language and culture provide perspective on the larger world of the arts, science, and technology.
Required Readings (all available via Canvas)
Au Contraire! Figuring Out the French (Asselin & Mastron)--excerpts
Cultural Misunderstandings (Carroll)--excerpts
The Death of French Culture (Morrison)
French or Foe: Getting the Most out of Living and Working in France (Platt)--excerpts
Sixty Million Frenchmen Can't Be Wrong (Nadeau & Barlow)--excerpts
Plus various articles (available via Canvas)
Required Viewings
The Class (available for rent or for free via Cal Poly library)
Hate (available through Kanopy)
Plus various addional video clips, including many from French Connections
Recommended
2022 French Presidential Elections
2022 French Presidential Election [sic]
Grade Breakdown
In-Class Participation (20%)
Paper One (20%)
Paper Two (20%)
Group Presentation (10%)
Exam (30%)
Please Note
Due to cultural differences between the United States and France, you might find some of the authentic materials used in this course provocative.
Students from diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and with diverse learning needs are welcomed in this course. Please reach out to me with suggestions and/or concerns.
Cheating and/or plagiarism will not be tolerated. As per California Education Code Section 78907, neither electronic listening nor recording devices should be used without prior written consent by the instructor.
In order to be successful in this class, students should make it a priority and actively participate in all in-class activities. They should meet with me to review tests, homework, and any concepts with which they might be struggling.
Schedule
Week One: "Frenchness"
Week Two: Language
Week Three: Education
Week Four: L'État; Paper One due
Week Five: Secularism
Week Six: Exclusion; Group Presentations
8 February: French Cuisine
10 February: French Cinema
Week Seven: Protest; Group Presentations
15 February: Sport in France
17 February: Fashion in France
Week Eight: History; Group Presentations; "Contribution to Group (Individual Grade)" feedback form/s due
22 February: French Music
24 February: French Food and Wine
Week Nine: Business; Group Presentation; Paper Two due
1 March: France and Technology
Week Ten: The Death of French Culture?; Q&A with Cal Poly students studying in France; In-Class Participation Log due
17 March: Exam (1 - 4 p.m.)