This module will examine key debates and texts from the era of the French Revolution—a watershed moment in the history of ideas regarding liberty,...

The Constitutional Thought of the French Revolution (HIST0863)

This module will examine key debates and texts from the era of the French Revolution—a watershed moment in the history of ideas regarding liberty, equality, popular sovereignty, and the nation-state.

Death and Dying in Ancient Mesopotamia (Dissertation) (HIST0786)

This is the dissertation for the MSc Social and Geographic Data Science which is based on an independent piece of original research under the guidance and...

MSc Social and Geographic Data Science Dissertation (GEOG0172)

This is the dissertation for the MSc Social and Geographic Data Science which is based on an independent piece of original research under the guidance and supervision of appropriate course tutors. The outcome will be an MSc dissertation not exceeding 12,000 words in length and displaying a range of analytical and data collection skills relevant to the research theme.

 

This module questions the uses and meaning of the notion of &#039;republic&#039; in France today: from the radical left to the far right and across the whole...

Republicanism and Identity Politics in France Today (ESPS0019)

This module questions the uses and meaning of the notion of 'republic' in France today: from the radical left to the far right and across the whole political spectrum, major political forces and politicians refer to the quasi-sacrosanct notion of 'republic' and to its central pillar 'laïcité' (which implements the separation of state and religions).
What are the main values of republicanism? How does the 'republican narrative' help shape a sense of community, national identity and citizenship in general? In day-to-day social life, how do political institutions try to uphold the republican values of 'Liberty', 'Equality' and 'Fraternity'?
What is the French republican conception of nationality? How does republicanism relate to public liberties, and how does it accommodate minority cultures and religions?
These issues will be discussed from a theoretical point of view with reference to major authors and political theory and political science literature. Case studies will also be taken to shed light on some topical debates in French society: terrorism and the protection of public liberties, racism, Antisemitism and Islamophobia, gender equality, pluralism or cultural diversity.
In short, the module aims to present an updated panorama of republicanism ideology in French society today: its meaning, and how it shapes the representations and expectations of its citizens.