DHIS 25A10 - Barricades or ELECTIONS? The French Political Laboratory from 1789 to our time

Revolutions, revolts, social unrest, strikes, modern street demonstrations and violent episodes are commonplace in the French historical landscape. On the other hand, the French political “laboratory” is remarkable by the number and the diversity of its institutional experiments through political regimes as opposed as Monarchy, Parliamentary Republic, Presidential Republic and even “Empire”’ (under the Bonaparte).

What is the most relevant feature: Revolution or Reform? People’s Power in the streets or Elected assemblies? Popular voice or a sense of compromise driven by official institutions? Where Democracy ought to be situated: on the top of Barricades or within the routine of State-run policies?

This course will propose an historical journey through the multiple episodes of the French “instability”, from the Revolution of 1789 to our time. All the students are welcome whether they have or have not prior knowledge with French political history. All sessions will be based on a general presentation by the Professor and a time for “debrief”, discussions and debates. During the Spring of 2023 we had lengthy discussions on the “réforme des retraites” (pensions reform) and the national movement of discontent. What could we expect for this Spring?

No prerequisite

As there are no oral presentations by the students, the overall grade will be a combination of: