overview

Global Studies: Paris, France
Global Challenges in Postcolonial France

June 29 - August 2, 2008

Global Studies-Paris Overview

Perhaps no other country than France has emerged as such an exciting and complex site for the investigation of cultural, economic, political, and social relations at the beginning of the 21st century. Globalization--known to the French as mondialisation-- has been an issue since 1945, when Americanization first became an important influence on French culture. Since then, the French have had to develop strategies for dealing with 'the imperialism of Mickey Mouse' and 'coca-colonization'. And, France's transition from a leading colonial power to a postcolonial one certainly has played a role in these culture wars. French post-colonialism has brought with it the largest immigrant population in Europe and all the attendant dilemmas: immigration policies and politics, uprisings in the 'banlieues', the widening gap between rich and poor, rural and urban, young and old, unemployment, and the rise of extremist political agendas.

The Global Learning Institute in Paris will explore the following questions: How is France dealing with a weakened national agenda in a rapidly expanding European Union? What is France's role in 'Fortress Europe' and in global security since 9/11? How have antiglobalization debates been framed in France? Through readings, classroom discussions, visits to museums, government ministries, and international organizations, along with guest speakers (politicians, writers, intellectuals, scholars, and diplomats), and the unique opportunity of exploring these fascinating questions in one of the most vibrant global cities, students will achieve a better contextualization of these issues, unpack their deeper significance, and attempt to assess the various global challenges France faces at this important turning point in world history.

Scholarships:

Scholarships: Merit-based scholarships of $1,000 from the UCLA International Institute are available for ten outstanding UCLA Global Studies Majors or Minors participating on a Global Studies summer program. Global Studies Majors/Minors must have a 3.50GPA overall for their academic studies at UCLA. The Scholarship Application is due March 28, 2008. Since scholarships are limited in number, we recommend that UCLA students interested in the program's scholarship also apply for financial aid by the necessary deadlines.

Directed by Professor Dominic Thomas, Department of French and Francophone Studies, UCLA. For more program information, please click on the links at the top of this page.

Internships:

For students interested in internship opportunities after the academic program has concluded on August 4, Aquarius Abroad, based in Paris, may be able to assist you. Aquarius Abroad can help students find internships lasting from 2 to 12 months. Students must have full-time student status and an intermediate to advanced knowledge of French. For more details, contact Xavier Gonzalez del Valle at xgonzalez@aquariuseducation.org or visit www.aquariusabroad.org.

Financial aid is available to qualified UCLA students. All other students should inquire about financial aid at their home institution. For more information on financial aid, click here.