History of France through the prism of cultural identities

From the Renaissance onward, specific cultural and language policies have been imposed on the French territory at the expense of regional dialects. These policies were reinforced throughout the entire Ancien Régime and were accelerated in the colonial empire era until the 20th century, when eventually they began to crumble due to decolonization and emerging national and regional demands. Today, France finds itself in an era of strong individuality and communitarianism, responsible for a profusion of cultural identities at the heart of the European community whose boundaries are increasingly blurred.

By examining relevant texts that explain what being French has meant for five centuries, we will better understand the multiple references made to cultural and national identity in publications in the fields of history and political science. These works, which have nourished intellectual views on the social and identity fracture, will complete our course.

Required Texts: A coursepack will be available for purchase at the College bookstore.