French Studies 290T - La French Touch

What does it mean to be French in the 21st century, and how is this identity expressed through one of its most innovative art forms, animation? In this course, we explore the evolution of French animated cinema as a vibrant mirror reflecting the nation?s cultural, historical, and philosophical journey. Through a curated selection of films - from Emile Cohl?s groundbreaking Fantasmagorie, to animated reinterpretations of national icons in Asterix le Gaulois and Les Triplettes de Belleville, to modern meditations on childhood, humor, and history - students will examine how animation both shapes and challenges our understanding of French identity. By engaging with themes of cultural heritage, social change, and creative expression, this course invites you to discover how the "French touch" in animation continues to redefine what it means to be French today.