In this taster course we will discuss the significance of "republicanism" in contemporary French politics. The French Studies taster course will then be followed by a 30-minute introduction to life at ULIP, where you will have the opportunity to meet the lecturer and chat with student ambassadors.
In France, the idea of the “nation” and of the “Republic” are deeply intertwined. To be French means to be a republican. The notion of the Republic is commonly and interchangeably associated with a political system and its institutions; a historical moment (the French Revolution of 1789); a set of ideas (Enlightenment philosophy, political liberalism, the Rights of Man, laïcité); symbols (the tricolour flag, Bastille Day, the Marseillaise); and universal values (liberté, égalité, fraternité).
Reminders of France’s republican identity are everywhere: from street names to school classrooms to the façades of public edifices. In addition to these countless visual reminders, public discourse is replete with republican references. French politicians are adept at “republicanizing” party names (Les Républicains, La République en Marche) and speeches through concepts such as “ordre républicain”, “école républicaine”, “police républicaine”.
From the French #MeToo movement to the Justice pour Adama movement, a new generation of activists are challenging dominant framings of French republicanism and developing new understandings of "what it means to be French" in contemporary France. In this taster course we will discuss the significance of "republicanism" in contemporary French politics.
The French Studies taster course will then be followed by a 30-minute introduction to life at ULIP and a coffee, tea and cookies reception, where you will have the opportunity to meet the lecturer and chat with student ambassadors.
If you are interested in the BA in French Studies with International Relations programme, or if you are generally interested in International Politics, then you may also wish to register to attend our International Politics taster course from 3.00 pm – 3.45 pm taking place after this French Studies taster course and introduction to life at ULIP presentation.
This taster course is open to students in Year 12, Year 13 (final year A Level/IB students) or anyone who is thinking of starting their undergraduate studies in September 2023 or in September 2024.
This taster course will take place in person in Central London.
https://www.london.ac.uk/french-republicanism-and-its-discontents-ip23197