Fr 139 Geography, Climate & Demographics
Reading Questions

Haine, "A Fractious and Fascinating Country" (p. 1-18).

1.  Why do the French often call their country "the hexagon"?

2.  How do northern and southern France differ in terms of agriculture, climate and culture?

3.  What countries constitute France's overseas departments?  Which are some of the overseas territories?  What's the difference between an overseas department and an overseas territory?

4.  In which fields has France been an economic power?   In which domains has France influenced the world artistically and intellectually?

5.  How does Haine describe the The Fifth Republic, France's current government?

6.  Which are the largest religious communities in France? 

7.  In which fields is France economically challenged?

8.  How does the French government treat immigrants who become French citizens?

9.  What is the National Front? 

10.  How has family structure changed in France since the 1960s? 

11.  When did French women gain the right to vote?

12.  How has the French "café" changed since World War II?

13.  How do many French people perceive American style capitalism?

Bernstein, "Blood, Names & Identity" (p. 99-106).

1.  Why and how was Mignon Radovic's name changed to Florence Radovic?

2.  What is the modern justification of the state's control over names?

3.  Why does Bernstein  believe that the French are obsessed with their own national identity?  How does this obsession manifest itself according to him?