Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité: French Political Myths and Concepts

"Liberté, égalité, fraternité," but also "laïcité," "diversité," "parité," "universalisme" : the French have forged over the last two centuries key political concepts that are articulated together in a unique way and shape the political consciousness, modes of engagements, aspirations and current debates of what has been called "the most political nation in the world." Along with mythologies such as the People, the Nation, the providential Leader, or the "enemy from within," they are at the centre of semantic and political battles, tugged over by the Left, the Right, populist movements, activists and counter-cultures. How did they emerge? How do they apply today? How does theory compare to practices, principles to day-to-day realities? An introduction through case-studies, films, paintings, cartoons, and texts from political theory, history, politics and literature. Taught in English.