Descriptif

This course offers to study the cultural representation of influence in France. Through a multidisciplinary lens, we will explore how different leaders (monarchs, intellectuals, artists, and entrepreneurs) have shaped and have been shaped by various narratives. We will examine how these figures gained symbolic power not only through political acts, but also through their representation in literature, media, and the arts. From Louis XIV’s carefully staged royal image to the influence of Napoleon, the moral authority claimed by Enlightenment thinkers, and the intellectual legacy of 19^th century writers, each session offers a case study in the cultural dimensions of leadership. Through various materials, this course also engages with issues of gender, celebrity, resistance, and identity, culminating in a look at pop culture icons and tech leaders who redefine what it means to "lead" in France today. Readings include historical texts, literary works, press archives, films and social media analysis, allowing us to critically engage with France’s evolving models of influence.

All documents will be posted on Moodle.

Attendance is mandatory.

Two unexcused absences will result in an F (policy of the MSc&T Program and the Dpt of Languages and Cultures).

Assessment

Presentation (10 min)                                                25%

Mid-term Exam                                                         25%

Final Exam                                                                25%

Class Participation                                                     25%