Paris, Political City: The Enigmas of a Capital City

(3 Credit Hours) · Undergraduate

Two years after the municipal elections of 2014, and on the eve of the creation of the Metropolis of Greater Paris, this course is intended to discover or better know the capital. Much has been said, written or heard about Paris, but the capital remains a place of enigmas. In fact, Paris brings together three cities: an international city, a national city and the daily life of the Parisians. We know what happens there, but do we know what it is? What is at stake behind the cultural representations of Paris, its social change, the public action that takes place there, political competition and its electoral geography? These questions contain as many enigmas to enlighten or to try to solve. This teaching is based on a variety of approaches (literature, cinema, history, geography, sociology, political science) and focuses on the curiosity, openness and sagacity of students to solve puzzles. Their participation is essential and will be based in particular on their Parisian experiences.