French Culture 1

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Attendance & Class participation (10%),

2 progress tests (60%).

1 team project (30%)

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Introduction

French Culture

Aspects of life in France

How to understand the French way of thinking?

Differences & similarities between France and China

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The course is organized as it follows:

1) France: general introduction 1.1 Introduction1.2 French symbols1.3 France and Europe

2) Daily life2.1 The French calendar2.2 A working week2.3 Education in France 2.4 Meals – Food2.5 Transportation

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3) Free Time3.1 Traditional events and customs3.2 Holidays 3.3 Sports – Hobbies 3.4 Media 3.5 Art

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4) Social structure – organization 4.1 Families and romantic relationships4.2 France and Politics4.3 Being a French citizen4.4 Working in France4.5 Health care and social welfare4.6 Religions

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Why did you choose this course?

What means French culture to you?

In what aspects of France are you interested? (history, food, language, economy...)

Do you know any French personalities? Who?

What are the major cities of France?

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Which one is the flag of France?

Who is he? What's his name?

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What French people usually have for breakfast?

What happens every year in France on the 14th of July?

Where is Paris on this map?

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French symbols

After the French revolution of 1789 new symbols are needed.

To replace the old royal symbols.

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French symbols

The Flag: Bleu – BlancBlanc – Rouge / Blue, white, red. also called le Tricolore.

White stands for the royal color or the lily, blue and red were the colors of Paris, combined to symbolize the union of the monarchy and the

people.

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Marianne: personification of the French Republic. She is young and wears the Phrygian cap (or

Liberty cap).

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Goddesses of Freedom

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La liberté guidant le peuple. Eugène Delacroix, 1830

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The French National logo and motto: “Liberté, égalité, fraternité.”“Liberty, Equality, Fraternity

Appears in the constitutions of 1946 and 1958.

Also found on many everyday items – including coins and postage stamps.

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The Fasces symbolize summary power and jurisdiction.

From the Latin word fascis, meaning bundle.

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The rooster (le coq)

Animal emblematic of France.Christian symbol of vigilance.

In Latin, similarity between Gallus (rooster) & Gallicus (inhabitants of France).Part of French national culture.

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La Marseillaise: French national anthem.

originally a war march (1792) by Claude Rouget de Lisle.

The Marseilles National Guard sang it as they entered

Paris In July of that year, inspiring French patriotism

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La Marseillaise, E. Piaf

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opening lines “Allons enfants de la Patrie,Le jour de gloire est arrivé!Contre nous de la tyrannie,

L'étendard sanglant est levé! (bis)Entendez-vous dans les campagnes

Mugir ces féroces soldats?Ils viennent jusque dans nos bras

Egorger nos fils et nos compagnes!Aux armes, citoyens!

Formez vos bataillons!Marchons! Marchons!

Qu'un sang impurAbreuve nos sillons!”

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“Arise children of the Fatherland,The day of glory has arrived!

Against us the tyranny'sBloodied banner is raised, (bis)Do you hear in the countryside

The roar of those ferocious soldiers?They come right here into our midstTo slaughter our sons and wives!

To arms, citizens,Form your battalions,

Let's march, let's march!May a tainted bloodDrench our furrows!”

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More about French National symbols…