Learn the practical aspects of global politics while gaining international experience by studying on campus in Paris.
Course
Taster Courses in Ƶ
Event information>
Curious about our undergraduate programmes at the Ƶ Institute in Paris? Don't miss our taster courses in Ƶ on 30 May 2024.
If you are curious about our undergraduate programmes, consider attending our Taster Courses at Senate House (Chancellor's Hall) in Ƶ. There, you will have the opportunity to experience one of our French Studies and/or International Politics courses, giving you a taste of what it's like to study at the Ƶ Institute in Paris. This is also a great opportunity to meet our staff and student ambassadors and ask any questions you may have.
Location: , Chancellor's Hall, Ƶ
Date: 30/05/2024
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
French Studies Taster Course - French Republicanism and its Discontents
Human Rights: Theory and Practice
Philosophers and lawyers argue amongst themselves about how real human rights (freedom from torture?) can be distinguished from fake ones (a right to the internet?). However, this debate is also a political one. Human rights frameworks are often criticised as being ‘ideals’ detached from reality, but in fact these ideals have been shaped by real political struggles. This taster course illustrates the real-world underpinnings and effects of these apparently theoretical debates and introduces students to critical perspectives on human rights frameworks.
Event schedule:
- 2.15-2.30pm - International Politics Registration
- 2.30-3.00pm - Introduction to the Institute in Paris
- 3.00-3.45pm - International Politics Taster Course
- 3.45-5.00pm - Tea, Coffee and Pastries
