FRE 230 - France in the Headlines

Join this class to talk about the upcoming 2027 French elections !

This class examines the history of France from the 20th to the 21st century (1945 to present) through various cultural productions, including literature, films, documentaries, newspapers, songs, and visual arts. It covers key historical moments since 1960, exploring themes such as post-colonial identities, immigration, social movements, environmental challenges, the women’s liberation movement, among others. Students will investigate current debates in France today, addressing topics such as universalism, laïcité, and Islamophobia, and will closely follow the upcoming 2027 presidential election to analyze how these dynamics reflect broader societal and ideological shifts. Throughout the class, multimedia sources will help students develop a nuanced understanding of French society while enhancing their ability to interpret various media forms.  

This class will be taught in French, but students of all levels are welcome, since primary sources will be in French with all translations available in English. Students majoring or minoring in French are strongly encouraged to complete readings and write assignments in French

Satisfies French and Francophone Studies major and minor requirement.
Satisfies Historical Thought requirement.
Satisfies Justice, Equality, and Community requirement. 

Prerequisites & Notes
French 201 or above.