TLÜ ÕIS

Contemporary France

Course code

GRR6902.HT

old course code

Course title in Estonian

Tänapäeva Prantsusmaa kujunemine

Course title in English

Contemporary France

ECTS credits

6.0

Assessment form

Examination

lecturer of 2026/2027 Autumn semester

Not opened for teaching. Click the study programme link below to see the nominal division schedule.

lecturer of 2026/2027 Spring semester

Not opened for teaching. Click the study programme link below to see the nominal division schedule.

Brief description of the course

The course examines the development of France as a modern state from the legacy of the Revolution and the Napoleonic era to the present. It focuses on the interplay between political institutions, social change, and cultural developments. Topics include 19th‑century political transformations, the formation of the republican system, church–state relations, France’s role in wars and international politics, colonialism and decolonisation, post‑WWII societal changes, and contemporary issues such as secularism, immigration, and political tensions. Emphasis is placed on linking historical processes to present‑day French society.

Learning outcomes in the course

Upon completing the course the student:
- identifies the main developments in French history and society from the Napoleonic era to the present and relates them to broader European and global historical and political processes;
- analyses the formation of French political institutions, social change, and cultural developments within their historical context;
- critically examines contemporary issues in French society (e.g. secularism, the legacy of colonialism, social tensions), distinguishing facts from interpretations and using appropriate terminology;
- uses historical and societal knowledge to formulate well‑reasoned viewpoints and presents them clearly in oral and written form;
- applies knowledge independently and collaboratively in analytical and discussion‑based tasks;
- reflects on the development of French society and connects historical processes with contemporary developments.

Teacher

Ülo Siirak

Study programmes containing that course