Republicanism and France

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
The French Revolution followed on the American Revolution in the tradition of the Enlightenment but
France is a very different society today to that of the United States. The legacy of the French Revolution of
1789 can be seen in the prime place given to the Republic and Republican values that have impermeated
French politics and society for more than two centuries but today France is faced with a number of
contradictions that challenge many of its founding myths.
The course will present past history and present society by tracing the place of the core values and beliefs
in the creation of the French nation-state and the idea of French exceptionalism. This will involve looking at
the central role of the state in society, the system of education, the economic model and social policies. The
issue of gender, particularly women's rights, will be considered within a historical perspective as will French
colonialism and the consequent issue of immigration. France's relations with external actors - the European
Union and the United States – also warrant attention as it still sees itself as exceptional and a “great
power”, celebrating the nation with a military parade every year on July 14, Bastille Day.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:
The main objective of this course is to give students specific insight into the historical background and
development of the concept of the French Republic and its continuing influence in France today. Students
will acquire the knowledge and anaytical skills enabling them to better understand but also have a critical
view of the peculiarities endogenous to French culture and society.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
Students have to complete the given assignments:
• In-class comment on the week's topic based on the core readings.
• 10-minute presentation in class on a topic of their choice within the scope of the course.
• Term paper. The topics for this paper will be distributed in class.

EVALUATION:
The final grade for the course will be based on student performance on the following tasks:
A mid-term test (25%)
A written term paper (25%)
A presentation (25%)
Attendance/Participation (25%)
Students are required to be present for tests and to hand in their papers at the scheduled time. Late
papers are penalized.
Plagiarism : Academic integrity is required for this course. Any unacknowledged use of another’s ideas
constitutes plagiarism, including the use of papers written by other students, interviews, radio or TV
broadcasts, and any published or unpublished materials. The normal sanction for dishonesty will be failure
for the assignment and possibly the course.

ATTENDANCE POLICY: Attendance is essential and checked on a weekly basis. Only two unjustified
absences will be accepted, and all ‘justified’ absences must be documented.

COURSE PROGRAM

1. 
The making of modern France:
Political heritage: an overview of the French
Revolution and subsequent regimes

2. 
The French Republic and core Republican values :
Liberty, Equality and Fraternity; Universalism; Laïcité
(Secularism)

3.
The Republican State and the nation:
The French state as the guardian of the Republic
The central role of the state in society

4.
The Republican education system:
Creating Republican citizens
Equality and meritocracy

5.
French economic exceptionalism:
Dirigisme versus liberalization
France and globalization

6.
The Social Republic:
The right to universal health care
The French welfare model

7.
Gender and the French Republic:
Women's fight for rights
The situation of LGBTQ+ rights

8.
Mid-Term Test

9.
The French Empire:
Colonization in the name of the Republic
The agonies of decolonization

10.
Remnants of Empire:
Overseas departments and territories
The French language and the Francophonie

11.
Republicanism and Multiculturalism:
Immigration and “assimilation”
Race and Nation

12.
France in Europe:
The antagonism between France and Germany
France: Mastermind of the European ideal

13.
France and the USA:
Brothers in revolutionary arms?
Competing exceptionalisms

14.  
Republican France today
Defending the French Republic and exceptionalism