Close Encounters of the French and American Kind

The relationship between France and the United States is sometimes satirized in the imaginary dialogue of a couple. To one’s declaration of love (“I love you”), the other responds: “Me neither.” Misunderstandings, resentments, and tensions have come to characterize each people’s notion of the other, but that has not stood in the way of genuine, mutual admiration and even love. In this course we will explore manifestations of this cross-cultural phenomenon in politics, society, and daily life to uncover the assumptions and values that inform a passionate transnational story of love and hate. Readings will be interdisciplinary in nature. Students will do substantial research projects to present to the class. This course counts as elective credit towards the French major.