Senior Seminar: France in the Twentieth Century/ La France au XXe siècle
This course is an overview of events and trends in France from the belle époque through the Mitterrand years using a case-study approach to specific topics or themes. How has the perennial struggle between left and right shaped the nation? What is the legacy of the two world wars? How have challenges to the political and social order been negotiated, neutralized, or absorbed? In tackling such questions we will pay particular attention to historigraphical developments and historical method. Sources will include documents, testimonials, fiction, film, monographs, and articles. This seminar will include an important research component. (Open to French Senior Majors, other students by waiver). 3 hrs. lect./disc.