The aim of the course is to present French civilization through its culture, from a cultural history perspective which will put in relation artistic production and social mutations. The objective will therefore be to show how art productions (literature, painting, architecture, music etc.) are closely linked to the political, economic or scientific elements which characterize given time periods.

After showing how French society built itself around some fundamental myths, we shall try to demonstrate what constitutes the main world visions which characterized the evolution of France through the centuries. This will be based on a thorough analysis of examples taken from the realm of art and culture.