FR3550 — History of Paris
This course, taught in English with readings in French for French majors, examines themes, topics and episodes related to the cultural history of Paris and the French language through selected readings in literature, sociology, architecture and sustainability studies. Students will use the evolution of Paris and the development of the French language as entry points into a deeper exploration of French identity, including analysis of important contemporary issues related to gender, class, and sustainability. Students will study the ways in which French history has consisted of binary oppositions: Paris-Provinces, Parisian French-Local Patois, Order-Revolution, etc. Additionally, students will explore the traces of French history around Paris, from the names of streets to the monuments in the squares and parks, to the sites of power within the city.