The 18th century in France was a period of major political, cultural, and ideological transformations, culminating in the French Revolution. It challenged the legitimacy of the established order imposed by the ancient regime by promoting new ideas in particular on religiosity vs secularity, status quo vs progress; by connecting the concepts of virtue, citizenship and democracy; and by introducing ideas of universalism and the possibility to be equal. Students will have an opportunity to explore the contradictions and paradoxes of the Enlightenment and examines the possible impact of its ideas and values on today’s French society. Looks, in particular, at the so-called “veil issue,” the concept of “laïcité” and the debates on cultural identity, nationalism and on equality in a pluralistic society. Course attributes: CLA-Breadth/Humanities.
- Teacher: Marie-Pascale Pieretti