An in-person event at our London campus to introduce students to the Institute in Paris and a degree in French studies.
French Republicanism and its Discontents
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.
Event schedule:
1.15-1.30pm - French Studies Registration
1.30-2.15pm - French Studies Taster Course
2.30-3.00pm - Introduction to the Institute in Paris
3.15-5.00pm - Tea, Coffee and Pastries
Suitable for Year 12 Students, Anyone who is thinking of starting their undergraduate studies in September 2024 or September 2025.