Re)discover France's complex politics during the Fourth and Fifth Republics, and the social challenges and tensions the country faced both at times of growth and modernisation and of crisis and doubts.
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Political and social developments in France since 1940
What will we cover?
The course will cover the historical evolution of French politics and society since the beginning of the Second World War, with an in-depth analysis of key moments and issues that affected the country.
Topics will include: - De Gaulle and the Resistance - The Fourth Republic: achievements and failures - The decolonisation - De Gaulle: “a certain idea of France” - May 68 and its aftermath: social and economic transformations under Pompidou and Giscard d’Estaing - France in the time of crisis, from Mitterrand to Macron (two weeks)
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
Identify the main actors who have been playing a key role in French politics since the Second World War. Assess critically the legacy of the Fourth Republic Analyse and discuss constructively the reasons behind the fall of the Fourth Republic. Explain the causes behind the return of De Gaulle to power and its consequences Analyse and discuss constructively some of the key social changes that occurred the 1960s-70s. Analyse the key challenges France has been facing over the past three decades
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
Some background knowledge about France would be useful but is not essential. A good standard of English is required.
An open mind and willingness to participate, respectfully, in class discussion and debate.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
The course will be a combination of lectures and discussions in small and large groups. Handouts will be available for each session. Material to prepare each session will be available on the website for the course. When appropriate, there will be videos and slides.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Please bring a pen and paper.
Books will be recommended but students are not required to purchase them if they do not wish.This is not an examined course. There are no extra costs.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Other courses in French and European history starting in September/October, 2026. Please see the City Lit website.
After under- and post-graduate studies in Politics and History in both France and the UK, Sébastien settled in London. He has been teaching at the City Lit since 2001. Over the years, he has covered many different subjects, including politics, history, economy and culture of Latin America, French modern history, European history, global issues and current affairs. In his classes, Sébastien hopes to give learners the skills, tools and information that can help them not only to make sense of the world we live in but also to understand the origins of the key issues we face.
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.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/history-culture-and-writing/modern-france-from-de-gaulle-and-the-resistance-to-macron174141Modern France: from de Gaulle and the Resistance to Macronhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/m/o/modern-france-heh73-square.jpg179179GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/History/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/History/European history/Courses/vm/Issues Facing Our World/Courses/vm/War and society/Courses/vm/Courses in democracy, rights and representation22851177117811821700133931368112285117711781653<p>Re)discover France's complex politics during the Fourth and Fifth Republics, and the social challenges and tensions the country faced both at times of growth and modernisation and of crisis and doubts.</p><p> </p> <div data-content-type="html" data-appearance="default" data-element="main">Political and social developments in France since 1940.</div>852816409Modern France: from de Gaulle and the Resistance to Macron179179https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/m/o/modern-france-heh73-square_8.jpgInStockDaytimeTueKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2026-06-02T00:00:00+00:00Jun 2026Culture, history & humanitiesHEH73179179Modern France: from de Gaulle and the Resistance to Macron143116179Sebastien Ardouinmodern-france-from-de-gaulle-and-the-resistance-to-macron/heh73-2526<p>Re)discover France's complex politics during the Fourth and Fifth Republics, and the social challenges and tensions the country faced both at times of growth and modernisation and of crisis and doubts.</p><p> </p>0000-Available|2026-06-02 00:00:00<p> </p><p>Political and social developments in France since 1940</p><p>Re)discover France's complex politics during the Fourth and Fifth Republics, and the social challenges and tensions the country faced both at times of growth and modernisation and of crisis and doubts.</p><p> </p><p>The course will cover the historical evolution of French politics and society since the beginning of the Second World War, with an in-depth analysis of key moments and issues that affected the country.</p><p>Topics will include:<br/>- De Gaulle and the Resistance<br/>- The Fourth Republic: achievements and failures<br/>- The decolonisation<br/>- De Gaulle: “a certain idea of France”<br/>- May 68 and its aftermath: social and economic transformations under Pompidou and Giscard d’Estaing<br/>- France in the time of crisis, from Mitterrand to Macron (two weeks)</p><p>Identify the main actors who have been playing a key role in French politics since the Second World War.<br/>Assess critically the legacy of the Fourth Republic<br/>Analyse and discuss constructively the reasons behind the fall of the Fourth Republic.<br/>Explain the causes behind the return of De Gaulle to power and its consequences<br/>Analyse and discuss constructively some of the key social changes that occurred the 1960s-70s.<br/>Analyse the key challenges France has been facing over the past three decades<br/> </p><p>Some background knowledge about France would be useful but is not essential.<br/> A good standard of English is required.</p><p>An open mind and willingness to participate, respectfully, in class discussion and debate. </p><p>The course will be a combination of lectures and discussions in small and large groups. Handouts will be available for each session. Material to prepare each session will be available on the website for the course. When appropriate, there will be videos and slides.</p><p>Please bring a pen and paper.</p><p>Books will be recommended but students are not required to purchase them if they do not wish.This is not an examined course. There are no extra costs.</p><p>Other courses in French and European history starting in September/October, 2026. Please see the City Lit website. </p>HistoryEuropean historyvirtual143179116HEH73NONETue02/06/26 - 14/07/2615:00 - 17:0015:0017:006 sessions (over 7 weeks)65-10 weeksDaytimeWeekdayKSKeeley StreetSebastien ArdouinAvailable courses2026-06-02T00:00:00+00:00Jun 2026Culture, history & humanities179179Modern France: from de Gaulle and the Resistance to Macronmodern-france-from-de-gaulle-and-the-resistance-to-macron/heh73-2526<p>Re)discover France's complex politics during the Fourth and Fifth Republics, and the social challenges and tensions the country faced both at times of growth and modernisation and of crisis and doubts.</p><p> </p>0000-Available|2026-06-02 00:00:00<p> </p><p>Political and social developments in France since 1940</p><p>Re)discover France's complex politics during the Fourth and Fifth Republics, and the social challenges and tensions the country faced both at times of growth and modernisation and of crisis and doubts.</p><p> </p><p>The course will cover the historical evolution of French politics and society since the beginning of the Second World War, with an in-depth analysis of key moments and issues that affected the country.</p><p>Topics will include:<br/>- De Gaulle and the Resistance<br/>- The Fourth Republic: achievements and failures<br/>- The decolonisation<br/>- De Gaulle: “a certain idea of France”<br/>- May 68 and its aftermath: social and economic transformations under Pompidou and Giscard d’Estaing<br/>- France in the time of crisis, from Mitterrand to Macron (two weeks)</p><p>Identify the main actors who have been playing a key role in French politics since the Second World War.<br/>Assess critically the legacy of the Fourth Republic<br/>Analyse and discuss constructively the reasons behind the fall of the Fourth Republic.<br/>Explain the causes behind the return of De Gaulle to power and its consequences<br/>Analyse and discuss constructively some of the key social changes that occurred the 1960s-70s.<br/>Analyse the key challenges France has been facing over the past three decades<br/> </p><p>Some background knowledge about France would be useful but is not essential.<br/> A good standard of English is required.</p><p>An open mind and willingness to participate, respectfully, in class discussion and debate. </p><p>The course will be a combination of lectures and discussions in small and large groups. Handouts will be available for each session. Material to prepare each session will be available on the website for the course. When appropriate, there will be videos and slides.</p><p>Please bring a pen and paper.</p><p>Books will be recommended but students are not required to purchase them if they do not wish.This is not an examined course. There are no extra costs.</p><p>Other courses in French and European history starting in September/October, 2026. Please see the City Lit website. </p>HistoryEuropean historyconfigurable
11821178European historyhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/history/european-history1/2/285/1177/1178/11821/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/History/European history
