French Studies 597Z - ST-Francophonie Culture/Global

The aim of the course is to explore, in terms of strengths and weaknesses the evolution of French culture also named Francophonie world as it faces the challenges of globalization. Students will study how globalization offers both tremendous openings onto the world, and also a formidable vehicle for cultural standardization. For the French culture and broadly the Francophone world, there is a risk of seeing its specific features swamped under a tidal wave of dominant Anglo-Saxon culture. The course explore how globalization is an opportunity for French culture, since the Francophonie spans every continent and is an essential component of cultural diversity. The relation of French culture with the rest of the world will be studied in social, political and economic fields. Topics such as human rights, economy, immigration, democracy, art, music, cinema, etc. will be discussed.