2019-2020 Academic Bulletin 
    
    Nov 22, 2024  
2019-2020 Academic Bulletin [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

FRNCH 380 - Laïcité: State-Secularism and Religion à la française


Credits: 4
An exploration of France’s unique way of dealing with secularism and religion in the modern era. We trace the principle of laïcité from a revolutionary, post-religious society, where it originated in resistance to Roman Catholicism’s centuries-old hold on French political life, to present-day multicultural and multiethnic France, where it is often associated with Islamophobia. Topics considered may include: the origins of laïcité during the revolution of 1789; the Law of 1905; the concept of the French Republic; racism and antisemitism; private vs. public spheres; freedom of expression, and immigration. Historical essays, literary texts, articles from the press, videos and films are used.

Prerequisite: FRNCH 305  or permission of instructor.

Distribution Requirements: HE, IP.