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French 394 La civilisation française
en évolution from Lascaux to 1789 The course La civilisation française en evolution: from Lascaux to 1789, offers non-French students the possibility to become acquainted with the fundamental notions that form the basis of the bagage culturel that their French counterparts would have. The goal makes explicit those everyday aspects of life that are truly second nature to the individual and to which he or she rarely gives much thought. The class will open with a Panorama de la France. This preliminary section provides a brief and schematic overview of France, including descriptions of basic geographical features and sociopolitical structures, a listing of significant historical milestones and maps of France and the Francophone world. The body of the class consists of six dossiers, each treating a particular aspect of French culture: Dossier un: la présence du passé describes examples of the physical manifestations of French History that provide constant reminders to the French of their rich and varied culture. Dossier deux: quelques personnages clés is composed of a series of portraits of personalities that the French learn, from the early age, to identify as key figures who played pivotal roles in the creation of their culture. Dossier trois: de la monarchie à la République traces the evolution of political institutions in France from the beginnings of the monarchy and the establishment of the Ancien Régime through the death of that system and the progressive maturation of republican ideals. Dossier quatre: La société describes the development of social structures, including the changing role of women in France, from the simplistic and hierarchical society of the Middle Ages to the complex and shifting social situation of the modern world. Dossier cinq: les mouvements et les idées provides a sketch of key philosophical movements and intellectual concepts as they evolved. Dossier six; les mouvements littéraires et artstiques offers an overview of French cultural life in all its diversity, focusing on pivotal authors, artist and works. The course is taught in French, Prerequisite French 204 (or who have the equivalent level). A visit to The Minneapolis Institute of Arts is required for the course. |
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