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Module Description
Title
Institutional Discourses, Images and Codes
Code
FFM21
Level
M
Credit rating
(points)
Prerequisites
30
None
Type of module
Aims
The aims of this module are formulated in the context of the
QAA National Qualifications Framework and related to the
SEEC descriptors for M-level study. They are:
 to furnish students with an advanced critical
understanding of key political theories and concepts,
significant historical events, key national symbols, major
institutions and significant ideological debates, that are
essential for an understanding of contemporary France,
and frequently addressed in the French written and
broadcast media.
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Learning outcome/objectives
In relation to the National Qualifications Framework and the
SEEC criteria for M level study, by the end of the module
students will be able to:
1. analyse significant currents of political thought in France
since the French Revolution
2. explain key historical events and ideological debates
about the nature of post-Revolution France, and their
significance in relation to social and cultural patterns in
contemporary France.
3. assess the meanings and function of key public symbols
of France and the French Republic
4. carry out critical analyses of media documents dealing
with the above themes
5. know how to analyse and assess the historical, social or
political relevance to its context of a document dealing
with political ideas, and use a range of research methods
in the area of French political thought to critically
investigate key writings on French democracy and
political theory
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Content
(for contact time and non-contact
time)
Analysis of French political and historical discourse will be
based on a selection of texts drawn from:

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
written constitutions and the Declaration of Human
Rights
texts by theorists such as Rousseau, Montesquieu, de
Tocqueville, Constant
speeches by major political figures such as de Gaulle,
Pétain, Ferry
editorials and other media articles
films dealing with themes such as those listed below .
Indicative list of themes:
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the Republic and Republicanism
the French revolution and the struggle for the Republic
the meaning and significance of terms such as
democracy, freedom, citizenship, sovereignty of the
people, liberalism
the French concept of the State, centralisation
Religion and the State in France: the Catholic Church,
laïcité, Islam
Iconography of the Republic (Marianne, public
monuments, representations of the Republic in film)
Ideas, political ideals and public debate in the media
Contemporary debate, e.g. laïcité versus cultural
diversity, national identity, the Vth Republic.
Research methods used in the analysis and interpretation of
documents dealing with these themes will be explored. The
following research process will be considered and put into
practice in the research paper:
how to select a
document and formulate an objective to do with the
relationship between the document and its context.
Monitored close reading and interpretation, from initial
close summaries of key ideas through to the
formulation of the research question.
2.
focussing on methods for accurate contextualisation of
the document within its wider historical, social or
political context
3.
formulating conclusions containing an appropriate
balance between critical analysis and contextualising
synthesis.
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Teaching and learning
strategies
Reading of primary texts, debate, individual analysis of
texts, short lectures on political theory, small-group
workshop analysis of key documents, group analyses of
visual images, group discussion of relevant films and media
documents.
Theoretical background/ preparation for the research project
will include individual guided reading; and guided practice in
class in close reading and interpretation of texts, from initial
close summaries of key ideas in a document through to the
formulation and investigation of a research question.
Learning support
(include full details of up to 8
titles)
Agulhon, M. 1992 Marianne. Les visages de la République.
Paris, Gallimard
Alexander Martin S. ( ed), 1999, French History since
Napoleon, London, Arnold
Baubérot J., 1990, La laïcité, quel héritage de 1789 à nos
jours?, Paris, Labor et fides.
Barzun, J., & Graff, H.F, 91977) The Modern Researcher,
NY: Harcourt, Brace Jovanovich
Documents d'Etudes, droits constitutionnels et institutions
politiques, La Documentation française, no 1.04 édition
1994, no 1.178 édition 1995, Paris, La Documentation
française
Furet F. et Ozouf M., 1992, La République, Paris, Gallimard
Garrigues J, 1988, Images de la révolution, Paris: Du May
Bibliothèque de documentation internationale contemporaine
Assessment task
One twenty-minute seminar paper (followed by discussion)
on an issue in political theory involving a critical analysis of
one or more primary and/or secondary documents in the
field of political thought. 50%
One essay x 3000 words on an historical, social, or politicaltheory debate which will embrace a consideration of relevant
public symbols (indicative topics: an analysis of debates
about the concept of laicité as applied in French schools;
current debates about the appropriateness of the Vth
Constitution and the values of the Republic). 50%
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Assessment criteria
The successful essay will demonstrate:
 an advanced understanding of and ability to interpret
relevant historical events, political theories and debates
about the nature of modern and contemporary France
(LO1)
 an ability accurately to explain the significance and
nature of key aspects of French political thinking, and of
their impact on attitudes, perceptions, and social and
cultural features of contemporary France (LO2)
 high level of skill in the application of techniques of
semiotic visual analysis to the functioning and
significance of symbols of France and the Republic
(LO3)
 clear exposition of the manner in which these attitudes
are revealed in debate in the French media (LO4)
In addition, in the seminar paper, there will be:
 an appropriate formulation of a research investigation of
a document, contextualisation of the document, quality
and originality of analysis and interpretation,
appropriateness and originality of insights, validity of
findings in respect of the historical significance of the
document, and an appropriate balance between critical
analysis and synthesis (LO5)
Brief description of module
content and/or aims for
publicity
In the context of a study of the Republican tradition in
France, this module explores major political theories, key
historical events, and significant national symbols which,
since the French Revolution, have shaped modern France. It
explores their treatment and reflection in national symbols
and media debate, and includes a research project on one
or more significant documents.
Area examination board to
which module relates
Module team/authors/coordinator
MA French Language, Media and Culture
Semester offered
2
Timetable slot(s)
Thursday 17.30-20.30
Site where delivered
Falmer
Date of first approval
July 2002
Date of last revision
N/a
C Carpenter, D Le Duc, D. Carpenter, G. Townsend
Date of approval of this version July 2002
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Version number
Replacement for previous
module
Field for which module is
acceptable and status in that
field
Course(s) which module is
acceptable and status in
course
Departmental home
External examiner(s)
One
N/a
MA French Language, Media and Culture - Mandatory
School of Languages
Ann Miller