Thinking-It-Through

This course invites students to explore the profound relationship between French cultural practices and the concept of "well-being," tracing its evolution from the Renaissance to the present. Beginning with the focus on mindfulness visible in Montaigne's Essays, and continuing with Rousseau and to Francis Ponge's appreciation of the natural world, we will journey through the works of French authors and artists, examining how they offer insights into the art of living well. Using an interdisciplinary approach, we will also consider the broader context of today's French society. How do French cultural practices, such as the value placed on work-life balance, universal healthcare, subsidized daycare, and the 35-hour work-week contribute to a sense of well-being? What elements of French culture have led to the quality of life the French now enjoy? By the end of the course, we will be able to articulate how French cultural practices contribute to our modern understanding of well-being, and how these insights might be applied to our own lives. Prereq: In-Perspective.
Course Attributes: EN H; BU IS; AS HUM; AS LCD; FA HUM; AR HUM

Thinking-It-Through

FRENCH 360

Section 01