Course Description
Historical and cultural perspectives on the relationship between France and the United States. Study iconic examples of the exchange of ideas, art, people, and social movements. Topics can cover stereotypes, democracy, liberty, immigration, racism, comparing and contrasting French and American models. Given in English.
Athena Title
Franco-American Exchange
Equivalent Courses
Not open to students with credit in FREN 4185I
Prerequisite
FREN 3010 or FREN 3010H
Pre or Corequisite
FREN 3020 or FREN 3020H
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student Learning Outcomes
- Students will learn about important problems and movements in the history of Franco-American exchange.
- Students will learn to hone skills in cultural analysis.
- Students will learn to reflect on French and American cultures comparatively.
- Students will develop their abilities to analyze and discuss specific texts as well as general cultural and intellectual problems, in class discussion, written and oral projects, and examinations.
Topical Outline
- Major examples in history of exchange, collaboration, competition, and tension (i.e., the French and American Revolutions, the Statue of Liberty, the rayonnement (diffusion) of French culture in the United States, African Americans in Paris)
- Writings and cultural production of intellectuals and artists who traveled across the Atlantic (e.g., Alexis de Tocqueville, Simone de Beauvoir, Julia Child, Josephine Baker)
- Comparative approaches to French and American cultures and ideologies (e.g., approaches to democracy, liberty, immigration, gender, race)
- Discussion and demystification of stereotypes across cultures
- Presentations on topics of student interest
