French Studies in a Global Context

Director: Madeleine Dobie, Associate Professor of French & Comparative Literature, mld2027@columbia.edu

Resident M.A. Adviser: Christine Valero, christine.valero@columbiaprograms.fr

Admissions Coordinator: Beatrice Terrien, bt3@columbia.edu

Degree Programs: Full-time in Paris: fall, spring, and summer: Free-Standing M.A.

Special Admissions Requirements: See below

The M.A. in French Studies in a Global Context provides an interdisciplinary framework for the study of modern French and francophone cultures. Students explore the history, politics, social dynamics and cultural productions of France and its former colonies in courses taught at Reid Hall, Columbia University’s Center in the heart of Paris, and at selected institutions of higher learning, e.g. the Sorbonne and the École des hautes études en sciences sociales. Courses are taught by visiting Columbia faculty and by professors from local universities. Students’ academic progress and overall wellbeing is overseen by a resident program director. They also receive advanced-level training in oral and written French and tutorial support to enhance their courses in the French university system.

The program is completed in a calendar year during consecutive fall, spring and summer terms. Classes are held in the fall and spring semesters; the latter ends at the end of June. July and August are reserved for fieldwork, travel and completion of the Master’s essay.

Partial fellowships are available to highly qualified applicants.

M.A. Essays

(The language of the title is the language of the essay)

• Protéger l'environnement : une comparaison entre les politiques agricoles européenne et américaine  under the direction of Sylvie Brunel, Université Paris-Sorbonne
• L'importation de la culture universitaire à Abou Dhabi: les cas de la Sorbonne et de New York University under the direction of Philippe Boulanger, Université de Cergy-Pontoise
• Pham Duy Khiêm: A Man Apart under the direction of Claire Tran Thi Lien, Université Paris 7-Denis Diderot / Inalco
• Art in Decadence: Curating a Musée Imaginaire under the direction of Françoise Gaillard, Université Paris 7 - Denis Diderot
• Les irruptions de l’irrationnel dans le XIXe siècle positiviste : trois récits fantastiques (La Morte amoureuse et Spirite de  T. Gautier , Claire Lenoir  d’ A. Villiers de L’Isle Adam)  under the direction of  Martine Lavaud, Université Paris-Sorbonne
• American Expatriate Women in Paris: bicultural odysseys of a migratory 'elite' under the direction of Nancy Green, EHESS
• Wagner and Politics: Appropriations and Interpretations of a Dangerous Aesthetic under the direction of Danielle Cohen Levinas, Université Paris-Sorbonne
• Contemporary Theater and masochism under the direction of Flore Garcin- Marrou, Université Paris 3- Sorbonne nouvelle
• Reenvisager le vers libre: Whitman et ses contemporains francaisunder the direction of Bertrand Marchal, Université Paris-Sorbonne
• Commémoration et politique urbaine : l’exemple de la place Mohammed Bouazizi:  under the direction of Julien Blanc, université Paris Dauphine.
• Sociologie des carrières militaires les FARDC : Le cas des Unités brassées, under the direction of Remi Bazenguissa-Ganga, Université Paris  1 Panthéon Sorbonne / EHESS
• Innovation, Adaptation and Appropriation: The Cultural Perceptions in the paintings of Sanyu under the direction of Françoise Gaillard

Quotes From Students

"The program introduces to me the very essence of France and Europe, with a focus on French history, art and philosophy. It motivates me to think of the world and its many cultures in a new and intellectual way. For me, it is definitely an enriching and fulfilling program."

"This program compels its participants to develop their French language, research, analytical and critical thinking skills in an intellectually stimulating, open environment. The insights and knowledge gained through this experience are invaluable on an academic, professional and personal level."

"French Cultural Studies in a Global Context provides the ideal theoretical and social framework for conducting interdisciplinary and cross-cultural research. In so doing, this program creates and develops meaningful cross-cultural relationships to be enriched by future global collaborations."

"The Master in French Cultural Studies emphasizes analytical skills that can be used as a stepping stone for any endeavor. Being passionate about making a difference in the world after leaving the military, the curriculum of this program equips me with the qualitative skills necessary to do research,  point out and provide the answer to challenges which in return will  improve the lives of people around the world."

"This program not only encourages each student to pursue research relating to his/her particular interests, but also fosters a very academically enriching environment. It's wonderful hearing my fellow classmates talk about their research with such passion and enthusiasm, as well as knowing that the professors and staff are almost always available for questions or discussion."