Sociology

This course examines how the history of political ideology and social conflict in France since the Middle Ages has been embodied in the urban landscape of Paris. More than in any other city, the meaning, message, and significance to state and nation of most Parisian sites was – and continues to be – violently contested. The course looks at the histories of the conception, construction, and public perception of Parisian monuments and places their stories within the larger context of the development of the French state and of French national identity. Major events of French history form the chronological backbone for this course, with emphasis placed on the forces that literally shaped some of the city's most emblematic neighborhoods and monuments. The readings are selected from works by specialists in French political, urban, and social history; and the course includes weekly visits to sites in Paris, as the student learns to “read” architecture and to use the city as a rich primary source for historical analysis. Be advised: while no prior knowledge of French history is required, a high level of commitment to learning about France is required. All of the writing for this class demands careful consideration of both readings for class and information given during site visits. This is a class that engages in the complex history of Paris and France. Students are evaluated on the richness and clarity of their engagement with that history.

This course examines crime and deviance on a global scale. Topics include crimes that cross national borders, new forms of organized crime, crimes committed by nation states and new, trans-national responses to criminal conduct.

This course provides the necessary keys for deciphering the structure of contemporary French society as well as the issues that divide it. A multi-part focus on economic and demographic data, social systems, social issues and problems, and the societal importance of culture provides an insider's perspective on and knowledge of French society. This course in turn contributes to the overall purpose of the IFE preparatory session to prepare students to participate as fully as possible in French professional life and social and political discussion. It is a companion course to THE FOUNDATIONS OF FRENCH POLITICS, POLICIES AND INSTITUTIONS, YESTERDAY AND TODAY. The course introduces the forces that have shaped French society in the modern era, the structure and main tenets of that society, and recent phenomena and emerging trends. The first part of the course examines French society first by looking at three important structuring elements: the economy and work, education, and family; second, by providing an understanding of several key social issues. Readings and outside discussion feed class-time debates. The second part of the course takes a detailed and analytic look at the role of culture in France. This brief history of French art and culture focuses on the relationship between the arts and the State, from Renaissance kings who were patrons of the arts to contemporary public cultural policy.

This course introduces students to the social nature of health and illness, and to different models that inform aspects of our understanding of health phenomena. The varying experience of social groups according to demographic and economic patterning are viewed through a global perspective alongside the changing profile of health and illness.
 

The course invites speakers each week from a different disciplines in the field of the social sciences and humanities to talk about new challenges we are facing in our ever-changing world. Students learn about empirical solutions, practices, and policies in responding to these challenges. Discussions also include opportunities for interactive learning.