HUM 129: French Culture and Civilization

Citrus College Course Outline of Record

Citrus College Course Outline of Record
Heading Value
Effective Term: Fall 2024
Credits: 3
Total Contact Hours: 54
Lecture Hours : 54
Lab Hours: 0
Hours Arranged: 0
Outside of Class Hours: 108
Total Student Learning Hours: 162
Strongly Recommended: ENGL 101.
District General Education: C2. Humanities, D1. History and Political Science
Transferable to CSU: Yes
Transferable to UC: Yes - Proposed
Grading Method: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass

Catalog Course Description

An overview of French culture and civilization which provides an interdisciplinary understanding of the French people, the Francophonie, and their contributions to the world. Guest lectures and weekly field trips to historical sites in and around Paris are part of the teaching process. 54 lecture hours.

Course Objectives

  • Identify key aspects of contemporary French cultures and society, within a historical context.
  • Demonstrate critical comparisons between what they observe and learn about French society and their home culture and society.
  • Appraise and relate key cultural and historical sites in France to their historical and cultural context.

Major Course Content

  1. Introduction to France
    1. Ancient Roots
    2. Medieval Transition
    3. Modern Development
  2. The French Political System
    1. Regions of France and the formation of the territory
    2. Ancien Regime France
    3. Revolutionary France
    4. The Modern Republics
  3. Social Stratification and Regional Dynamics
    1. Regions and Departments
    2. Gender, Class, and Religion
  4. Multiculturalism, Ethnicity, and Immigration
    1. 19th Century Patterns
    2. 20th Century Developments
  5. France and the World
    1. Imperial legacies
    2. Imperialism
    3. Interactions and conflict
    4. Globalism
  6. Art, Architecture, and Archaeology
    1. Classical/Ancient
    2. Gothic
    3. Rococo to Modern
  7. Film, Fashion, and Food
    1. Local Traditions
    2. Global Influence
  8. Education
  9. Nationalism

Suggested Reading Other Than Required Textbook

Students taking the course for "Study Abroad" will be expected to read the English language weekly newspaper in addition to another international newspaper of their choosing. Students will be expected to choose one literary work by a French author to read in conjunction with their class presentation.

Examples of Required Writing Assignments

Students will write weekly reports demonstrating their synthesis of experience and course material. They will be responsible for a final paper that conforms to the guidelines for a formal essay. This will be included in their final presentation.

Examples of Outside Assignments

Students will write papers that utilize the assigned course readings and their experience in French museums and heritage sites to demonstrate their understanding of French culture.

Instruction Type(s)

Lecture

IGETC Area 3: Arts and Humanities

3B. Humanities

IGETC Area 4: Social and Behavioral Sciences

4. Social and Behavioral Sciences