Modern Languages: insight4me French – French Politics With Ilse Renaudie From University of East Anglia & Madeleine Chalmers From University of Leicester

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• University of East Anglia: Ilse Renaudie, Associate Professor in French Language in the School of Politics, Philosophy, Language and Communication Studies, will present Immigration in French Politics Today. In December 2023, France passed a highly controversial immigration bill, leading to divisions in Emmanuel Macron’s ruling Renaissance Party. What does this crisis tell us about the state of politics in France today? The bill was presented as a measure meant to protect the French people and the French social security system. How do the French feel about this reform and how is immigration perceived in society? In this session, we will be discussing these questions, the place of immigration in politics and the growing influence of the far-right. We will also discuss the role France plays in providing help for refugees, focussing on some specific examples.

• University of Leicester: We will be joined by Dr Madeleine Chalmers, Lecturer in French Studies, who will present Building the Republic. Nations tell the stories they need to believe about themselves: about who they are, how they came to be, and what their place is in the world. To do so, they craft images and narratives; they write anthems; they tear down some monuments, repurpose others and build new ones. In French media and political discourse, we often hear about France’s ‘republican values’ and the President always ends his New Year’s address to the nation with the words, ‘vive la République, vive la France’ [long live the Republic, long live France]. But what do these words actually mean? In this session, we will look at how French republicanism has been constructed through symbols, imagery, and rhetoric – and think about who and what might be left out of that picture.

In this insight4me French online event for schools and colleges, University of East Anglia and University of Leicester, will each have roughly 30 minutes to deliver a punchy, interactive topic based ‘micro’ talk. Within an overall session theme of French Politics, the universities have the freedom to choose their own focus and use the time to convey the key points of the case studies for the students.

insight4me is a series of subject specific webinars for Year 12 & 13 students, and equivalent. The sessions directly support students’ current studies by giving an insight into particular curriculum areas whilst affording an understanding of how these subjects continue beyond A-levels, T-levels, IB, BTEC and equivalent qualifications, and how they vary between universities.

The session will be led in English but with ongoing reference to and use of French language.

Our events are designed so that a group of students can take part from a classroom or students and teachers can take part as individuals, either from school or from home. This means that sessions will continue irrespective of possible school closures.

As a live, participative event, this session will not be recorded but slides and other resources will be shared after the event, where available.

Suitable for: Year 12 & 13 students (and equivalent) studying, or with a possible interest in studying, French and related disciplines. Student groups, and individual students and teachers are very welcome to join us.

Preparation/Pre-Reading: Students may wish to consider the 2 topics and discuss some of the key elements in advance. Students can also think about questions they have about studying French at university level.

The IT Setup: The event will be run on Zoom and participants will be able to join using laptops, tablets, and mobile devices. If you are joining as a school group, we recommend connecting with one device and projecting on to a whiteboard. You will be able to interact with the university via a microphone and/or typed comments and questions. Full details will be sent to those who have registered (see below) prior to the event.

Booking a Place: This is free for schools and colleges. If you would like to take part in this event, please register your interest using the link to the registration form below:

Register here