Globalized France
The course will have the following two objectives:
1. To give a broad historical view of the influence of France from the Renaissance to modern times. We will show that France cannot be reduced to its main territory, which is often called the “Hexagon”. The following principle factors have contributed to France’s cultural influence around the globe:
a) The dark past of its colonial empire. France shared with England one of the most important colonial empires. France was present in the Americas, Africa, Southeast Asia and Oceania. In the post-colonial era, this was the basis for the organization of “la Francophonie”.
b) Its cultural influence during the seventeenth and the eighteenth centuries at a time when Europe spoke French and was eager to imitate French art (painting, architecture, literature,
etc.). Its influence is still visible in Europe today.
c) The French Revolution and the Napoleonic empire. France was then seen as a country of freedom and equality.
d) The role Paris played in the nineteenth and the twentieth centuries as it attracted artists and musicians. Picasso, Stravinsky, Dali, Modigliani, and others chose Paris as their capital, leading to what was called the “School of Paris”.

In the sixties, French theory influenced intellectuals all over the world. We will demonstrate however, that culture is not a one-way ticket, but rather a give and take. While France has declined as a world power, populations from the French former colonial empire including Francophone Africa, the Maghreb, and Quebec continue to play an important role in rejuvenating French culture. We will show the benefits of this influence. We will examine this long history of French culture, through the lens of historical, geopolitical, artistic perspectives.
2. To establish a methodological background in the study of civilization and culture, through:
a) Textual analysis and critical reading
b) Summary and syntheses
c) “French dissertation” (outlines and how to write)
d) Oral presentation
We will use as the basis for these various exercises the book Histoire mondiale de la France, compiled by a range of authors representing diverse points of view. The class will include oral presentations followed by discussion, and written assignments (summary, synthesis and dissertation.)
Required text:

Patrick BOUCHERON, Mathieu BUSCATO, Histoire mondiale de la France, Seuil, 2018, ISBN: 978-2-7578-7442-4