France and the World

Elective course

The notions of grandeur and rayonnement –greatness and influence overseas– have long been central to France’s self-image and have shaped the way France exerts its influence in the world. This course discusses how France positions itself on the global scene from the traditional exercise of economic and military power to the use of more subtle tools of soft power, such as cultural diplomacy, scientific cooperation, higher education, humanitarian actions, tourism, etc. Using a selection of texts and topics, this course will also examine the historical roots of the French ideas of grandeur and rayonnement, how France’s effort to exert influence is perceived and debated at home and abroad, as well as the issues and challenges to maintain France’s image and standing on the international stage. Participants will be encouraged to draw examples from the local context to discuss the material under investigation. The medium of instruction and the majority of the material used will be in French.