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Semester 2

Twentieth Century French Political Thought (Ordinary) (ELCF09020)

Subject

European Languages and Cultures - French

College

CAHSS

Credits

20

Normal Year Taken

3

Delivery Session Year

2023/2024

Pre-requisites

In order to be eligible to take 3rd/4th Year Options, Visiting Students should have the equivalent of at least two years of study at University level of the appropriate language(s) and culture(s).

Course Summary

This course will examine theoretical reflection about the political ideologies which most marked the French socio-political and cultural landscape during the twentieth century. Appraisal of the various theoretical defenses and critiques which were made of socialism, Marxism, Gaullism, and extreme right-wing politics by French thinkers and politicians will encourage broader consideration of the roles which such tendencies played, and in important ways still do play, in public life in France. With regard to each ideological tendency, students will study primary texts each offering a contrasting perspective to the others, the aim being to highlight the diversity of thinking within schools of political thought.

Course Description

This course does not assume or require any prior training or specialisation in the field of French political thought or politics studies. It has been structured in such a way that it complements the 2nd year Politics and Institutions of Contemporary France course by covering periods and topics not covered on that course. Insofar as there is very little repetition or duplication of the material covered on the PICF course it hence is beneficial to students who did PICF but also entirely approachable for students who did not. The course aims to encourage the study of French political thought in a synchronic or thematic way via analysing which political values and ideals constituted each of the major political ideologies, whilst never losing sight along the way of the importance of the diachronic or chronological unfolding of events. Politics can be understood both as a set of institutional arrangements, which manifest themselves in the machinery of democratic political systems (parties, governments, the conventions of democratic political processes, constitutional arrangements and so on) but also as set of ideas which usually correspond to the interests of the individuals and groups who defend them. The study of politics proper requires an awareness of political thought. To some extent, however, it is easier to study political philosophies in some degree of isolation from political events. Nevertheless, it is important to keep in mind the chronological order in which political trends/ideologies/movements materialised in real-world situations such that the nature and evolution of those political philosophies can be grasped. We will study the political writings of the French socialists Jean Jaurès and Léon Blum, of the nationalist proto-fascists Maurice Barrès and Charles Maurras, and also of Communists associated with the PCF and Gaullists. Our principal time-frame will be up until the end of the De Gaulle presidency so as to avoid direct chronological overlap with PICF.

Assessment Information

Written Exam 0%, Coursework 100%, Practical Exam 0%

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