Beyond the headlines: From exceptionalism to the rise of the Far-Right: Contemporary Issues in French politics

Course Dates: 01/05/25 - 05/06/25
Time: 18:00 - 19:30
Location: Online
Tutors: 
This course provides an introduction to key debates and developments in contemporary French politics, connecting Republicanism, the entrenchment of neoliberalism in the 1980s and the rise of the far-Right.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.
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Full fee £119.00 Senior fee £119.00 Concession £77.00

Beyond the headlines: From exceptionalism to the rise of the Far-Right: Contemporary Issues in French politics
  • Course Code: HPC210
  • Dates: 01/05/25 - 05/06/25
  • Time: 18:00 - 19:30
  • Taught: Thu, Evening
  • Duration: 6 sessions (over 6 weeks)
  • Location: Online
  • Tutor: Salome Ietter

Course Code: HPC210

Thu, eve, 01 May - 05 Jun '25

Duration: 6 sessions (over 6 weeks)

Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.

What is the course about?

This course will provide an introduction to key issues and developments in contemporary French politics, focusing on the connections between French Republican ideals, the political and socio-economic governance of France since the 1980s, and the rise of the far-right which recently culminated in the National Rally reaching unprecedented levels of legislative representation at French and European levels. Particularly looking at the links between Republicanism and racism, secularism and islamophobia, the entrenchment of neoliberalism and socio-economic inequalities, we will contextualise key contemporary debates such as around national identity, secularism, racism and immigration, islamophobia, and inequality. In addition to look at the far-Right’s influence and use of these debates, we will also consider the role and shapes of grassroot politics and protests against neoliberalism, racism and sexism in contemporary France; and the perspectives they give us on the future of French politics.

This is a live online course. You will need:
- Internet connection. The classes work best with Chrome.
- A computer with microphone and camera is best (e.g. a PC/laptop/iMac/MacBook), or a tablet/iPad/smart phone/iPhone if you don't have a computer.
- Earphones/headphones/speakers.
We will contact you with joining instructions before your course starts.

What will we cover?

- The rise and entrenchment of neoliberal economics and its link to the evolutions of the French political spectrum from the 1980s until Emmanuel Macron, including the decline of traditional political parties and the rise of ‘populism’
- The idea of French exceptionalism and debates around national identity and Republicanism
- The concept of ‘laïcité’ (secularism), debates linked to immigration and integration, and their links to islamophobia
- The role of racism, debates linked to Afro-Frenchness and the colonial, post-colonial and neocolonial history of France
- Anti-neoliberal, anti-racist and feminist protests in contemporary French politics
- The rise of the far-Right.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

- Explain some of the key socio-economic and political debates in contemporary France
- Critically connect contemporary political debates to their historical contexts, and to the specific ideological framings they are shaped by
- Question and contextualise the idea of French exceptionalism and universalism
- Understand the agency and responsibility of various political actors - governments, political parties, trade unions, and people themselves.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

The course is at an introductory level and is suitable for those new to the subject as well as those who have some familiarity with the topics to be covered. A good grasp of English to keep up with the course and participate fully is necessary. As with most of our history and politics courses, an open mind and a willingness to listen to and think about views with which you do not always agree are more important than specific levels of skills.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

The course will run in person and use a combination of lectures, backed by PowerPoint presentations, and discussions in large and small groups. Materials will be available on the course website after each session and will include the lecture presentations as well as further reading suggestions.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

There are no additional costs, but you may wish to bring pen and paper or a digital equivalent for notetaking.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

HPC209 Looking beyond headlines: colonialism and contemporary conflicts
HPC133 The criminalization of protest and democracy in Western Europe

Please check back here, more courses will be added!

Salome Ietter

Dr Salomé Ietter got her PhD in political theory from Queen Mary University of London in October 2023, advancing the concept of ‘anti-populism’ to study neoliberal responses to popular protests and social movements in the UK and France. She has taught students for 5 years at Queen Mary and King’s College and is now a lecturer at the University of Warwick, teaching on race and racism, the politics of gender in global politics. Her research is on race and class in Northern England and Northern France; and her teaching and research interests revolve around capitalism and colonialism, neoliberalism, populism and anti-populism, the politics of race and gender, and political discourses and ideologies. Her classes aim to be friendly, inclusive and participatory, to make education an empowering and social endeavour that enables everyone learn from each other as much as learn specific content and skills. She is very excited to start at City Lit and connect with City Lit learners. In her leisure time, Salomé enjoys theatre, music, and outdoor activities such as trail running, hiking, and triathlons.

Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.