History of the Press in France

3 Credits · Level: Undergraduate

This course, Médias et Société: La Presse française face à l’histoire, explores the evolution of the French press and its central role in shaping political, social, and cultural life from the French Revolution to the present day. Students will examine how newspapers, magazines, caricatures, radio, television, and digital media have reflected and influenced key historical events such as the Dreyfus Affair, the World Wars, Decolonization, May 1968, and recent social and political movements in France. Through the analysis of authentic media sources, the course encourages critical thinking about journalism’s ethical responsibilities and ideological impacts, including issues of privacy, public information, and political expression. Conducted entirely in French, the class also aims to strengthen students’ language skills through discussion, writing, and collaborative projects, while deepening their understanding of French society and contemporary media landscapes.