French

This course presents a multifaceted France constructed by the juxtaposition of diverse spheres. The history of this construction is an arduous one of conflict and constant change. By focusing on evolving institutions, the course analyzes the political struggles out of which the French State arose and developed its current form. It pays particular attention to fundamental developments during the 19th century, using a novel approach to study of that period. Class discussion plays an important role in this course, as students are encouraged to interact with the material not only to consolidate their grasp of the subject but also as a way to analyze events, explore causality, and therefore discover the complexity and subtlety of historical analysis.

This course examines the influence of colonizer religions on countries in Africa and how these religions are used in political relationships between African countries, specifically Senegal, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, the Ivory Coast, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Nigeria. It primarily focuses on Islam and Christianity but also includes indigenous religions found in various regions. Topics include missions and colonization, African Pentecostalism, political Islam and radical movements, and Islamo-Christian relations.

This course provides an experimental approach to psychology. It introduces the use of probability and common tools to analyze and synthesize data and apply various methods involved in the practice of the discipline.

This methodology course is designed to help UC students make the transition from the American to the French university system. For three hours a week over a course of twelve weeks, students are introduced to the essential techniques for succeeding in the typical French university class. Students acquire skills to take clear and thorough notes, compose an outline, and write a summary of materials presented in both written and oral forms. Writing skills are sharpened by learning how to conduct a stylistic analysis, develop an argument, counterargument, and a conclusion. By the end of the course, students are familiar with the expectations of French professors and their methods of assessment. The course adapts materials to target students in both literature and the social sciences. Continuous assignments allow for frequent feedback from the instructor.