The French Politics and Society in the Fifth Republic course is offered under the auspices of UF en Provence, administered by the French Section of the Department of Romance Languages & Literatures of the University of Florida.  The program offers students the opportunity to earn six credits for study in Aix-en- Provence over a six-week period at the Centre d'Aix of the Institute for American Universities (IAU). 

   The French Politics and Society course at Aix-en- Provence enables students  to examine, first-hand, the governmental institutions and political processes of one of the leading member-states of the European Union.  France has been a significant ally, trade, and diplomatic partner of the United States and is a founding member of the European Union--an emerging model of international, economic, and political cooperation. 

   Study in Aix-en-Provence, France positions students to investigate a traditional culture, renown world-wide for its complex history, philosophical movements, technological achievements, literature, art, architecture, and distinct place at the center of the culinary and "fashion" worlds.

   Most classes at the IAU are held in the renovated Chapelle des Pénitents Bleus, which also houses an 11,000 volume library and a student lounge.  The Place de l'Université stands at Aix's cardo decu manus maximus, the true center, du north, south, east, and west, laid out by the Romans.  IAU's buildings are a stone's throw from one another and in the very oldest sections of town, and just across from the magnificent Cathédrale St. Sauveur. 

   IAU's courses are comparable to those of liberal arts curricula in U.S. universities.  Students may choose from other 3 credit courses, including: 

Art History 

• History of Western Art Survey (3000 level)

• Beginning French I or II (1000 level)
• Intermediate French I or II (2000 level)

• Introduction to Int'l Business (3000 level)

• The European Union (3000 level)

• The Intersection of Language and Cognition (3000 level)

• Film: An Introduction to National Cinemas (3000 level)

Course Description 

French Politics and Society 
 in the Fifth Republic
(1958-present)

Click here for course syllabus.    

   This 3-credit hour course provides students with an overview of French political history in the Fifth Republic (1958-present).  The language of instruction is English; students studying French will have opportunities to develop and refine language skills in the readings and assignments.  CPO 2001 is not a prerequisite, but is recommended. 

   The course examines the main socio-political developments in the post-War era, including the role of the state, constitutional arrangements, the semi-presidential system of government since 1962, national institutions (presidency, National Assembly and prime minister, Senate, Constitutional Council), political parties, interest groups, foreign policy, and relations with the European Union.  In addition to lectures and course readings, students will follow current events by reading a French or English language daily newspaper published in France.

   Guest lecturers will include:

• Dr. David Wilsford, President of the Institute for American Universities and Professor of Political Science at Georgia Tech University,, who will give a talk to students on "Changes and Continuities in the French State: Striving to Reach the 21stCentury"

 
• Dr. Christian Joly, Senior Professor, Aix- Marseille (Ph.D. Law), who will discuss "France and the European Union." 

   Students enrolled in the course will have the unique opportunity to visit local and regional government offices, meet with government officials, and see government "in action."  Field trips include: 

• City of Aix Economic Development Office
• Promotion Provence, regional economic development office in Marseille
• U.S. Consulate General in Marseille, with a discussion with State Department staff

Charles de Gaulle 
First President of the Fifth Republic