French 2121B
Taking it to the Streets:
Public Manifestations in the French-Speaking World
Offered in English
Prerequisite: None
Course description: 
It is widely believed in the English world that French people are unlikely to remain inactive when confronted with situations they deem unacceptable; that they would undoubtably take their grievances to the streets. It is also a cliché that French go on strike too often for the liking of tourists who wish to experience a Paris free of social unrest. What makes the French more likely to take to the streets; to disobey, to rebel against authority? This course will offer ways to engage and think “la différence française”. We will reflect on what it means to challenge authority, what are the reasons to challenge it, and what form the “contestation” can take. Students are invited to read newspaper articles in English about French current events to confront what is lost or gained in the translation process. Exposing our own biases whilst reading news in English about the French will be an important part of our reflection in this course. We have chosen to explore key moments of French history. Each period of unrest will be explained in a 100 minute lecture format followed by a 50 minute workshop investigating an important document (archives, painting, film, newspaper clipping, etc.).
- 18th French Revolution
- 19th century: Many political unrests and the physical transformation of Paris
- 21stcentury: Marriage for all (2013 Taubira) and its opposition
- 21stcentury: The Yellow Jacket (Gilets Jaunes)
- Retirement strikes (current events)
- And more…
Required reading: Traverso, Enzo, Revolution. An Intellectual History, Verso, New York, 2021, 480p.
Presence & Participation: 5%
Tests X 3 (10): 30%
Take home: 20%
Oral Presentation:15%
Final Exam: 30%
