FRANCE SINCE 1945: POLITICS, THE ECONOMY AND SOCIETY

Description

Student journey integration: this module builds in particular on other L4 modules which have a higher degree of specialism in terms of knowledge and methodology. For students enrolled in a joint degree combining two languages, it is closely connected with ‘parallel’ modules in German or Spanish. It also makes references to and builds on skills developed in other L5 modules, in particular data analysis. By extending the students’ knowledge of contemporary French-speaking societies and in particular their ability to discuss them in specialised French, the module contributes to their readiness to undertake the level P year abroad, especially when they are going on placement This module is taught in the target language in semester 2 of FHEQ Level 5. Indicative content includes: recent political history the state and its citizens, the constitution, the electoral system, State political institutions the political parties and major political figures issues of gender equality in France French multiculturalism and the problems of French secularism the normalisation of the far right in France the relationship of France with the European Union and other international organisations foreign policy French culture and “l’exception francaise” economic policies, structure and performance; France’s major industries understanding French labour relations and ‘strike culture’ major recent political events/ crises, e.g. terrorist attacks, the Gilets Jaunes rebellion and the Covid-19 pandemic This module aims to equip students with knowledge and understanding of the major political and economic institutions, the contexts in which they were created and evolved and their relevance in France and other French-speaking societies. Attributes Developed 001 On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: follow and take notes from lectures delivered in French, engaging fully with recorded captured content CPT 002 Participate in seminars in French and describe the development of the political and economic systems of France and the French-speaking world CPT 003 Read and critically evaluate authentic online and written sources on a range of topics related to contemporary society as well as gain confidence discussing complex societal issues in different formats, using the relevant terminology KCPT 004 Understand some of the key environmental challenges posed by the climate emergency in the French-speaking world and how they affect politics and the French economy in particular as well as write critically and extensively in French on politico-economic topics KCP 005 Learn to decipher and explain a range of visual resources, such as graphs and political cartoons, using the relevant specialised vocabulary as well as gain an understanding of the diversity of the French-speaking world and some of the challenges faced by different areas KC 006 Understand some of the key environmental challenges posed by the climate emergency in the French-speaking world and how they affect politics and the French economy in particular KCT