What is the course about?
The French Fourth Republic.
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 establishment of the Fourth Republic and the problems it faced
The growth of the French economy during this period
Changes in French society
Cultural achievements of post-war France
France’s relations with the rest of Europe, especially Germany
Problems in the French Empire and their consequences
The collapse of the Fourth Republic in 1958 and the return of de Gaulle.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the French Fourth Republic
Identify some of the main changes in French culture, economics and society during this period
Suggest why the Fourth Republic only lasted twelve years.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This is an introductory course and does not assume any previous study or reading although you will need a good
grasp of English to keep up with the course. You will gain more from the course, in terms of enjoyment and
learning, if you are able and willing to do some supplementary reading. A short book list will be supplied at the first class.
As with most of our history courses, intellectual curiosity and an open mind are more important than specific previous
knowledge.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Tutor presentation, group discussion, tutor-guided analysis of documents, images and video clips. You will be
given a short reading list in case you would like to do some additional reading, but this is not necessary to
participation in class discussion. In case you would like to do some preparatory reading, we suggest Robert Gildea’s
‘France since 1945’ (OUP 1996). (The first half of this book is relevant to our course.).
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
There are no additional costs. If you would like to take any notes, do bring a notebook or other means to record key points. All handouts and presentations will be put on the Google Classroom webpage for this course.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Other courses in European history.
