The purpose of this course is to shed a light on the history of Liberalism through a comparison between Britain and France. “Liberalism” is a difficult question with manyfold definitions and controversial points of view. Therefore, it's necessary to build step by step the history of liberal movements, liberal ideas and their contradictions, both through the British political history and the French history. This method should provide to the students a better understanding both of historical debates and today issues regarding the notion of Liberalism in context (or, better, Liberalisms).
Traditionally, Britain has been viewed as the country of a successful liberalism whereas France has been sometimes mocked as the country of a failed liberalism or an incomplete liberalism. Those clichés will be questioned during the sessions and put back in a more realistic perspective. Liberalism and anti-liberalism will be addressed on the same foot during most of the sessions. The course is also conceived at the crossroads of political history, intellectual history and political philosophy.
Nicolas ROUSSELLIER
Séminaire
English
A general knowledge of the political evolution in France and in Britain could be helpful -but no obligation
Autumn 2022-2023
An oral presentation (individually or by two students at most): 50% of the final grade
A final written exam (essay) in class (session 12): 40% of the final grade
General participation to the debate during the sessions: 10% of the final grade
Michael FREEDEN, Liberalism : a Very Short Introduction, Oxford Un. Press, 2015