This module examines the Catholic
Church's political and social role in modern and contemporary France rather than
the dogmas, doctrines and validity of religion in itself. Initially the module
concentrates on the general history, evolution and impact of the French
Catholic Church before moving on to evaluate its role and status in modern
France, its presence and influence within the realms of politics and society,
and its oscillation between liberalism and traditionalism principally since
1789. Certain events and aspects of French history are identified for
particular study, including the development of Republicanism and the evolution
of secular France; the 1930s, the Second World War and the impact of
totalitarian ideologies; and the Church's involvement in the domains of
immigration, education, ethical and family issues. The module also examines
French religious sociology, and the relationship between Catholicism and
France's other major representative religions.
Learning resources
There is no set text for this module.
Instead, students are provided with a series of in-house handouts and
theme-based dossiers. Students are also given a detailed bibliography of
printed and electronic resources. Useful sample Web sites include the site of
the French
Catholic Church, the site at the Vatican,
and a general site called Christus
Rex. The site produced by the
French Catholic Church provides a wealth of materials which are highly useful
for this module. For instance, you can access official documents produced over
a number of years, read recent press releases, and get up-to-the-minute news on
Church activities and pronouncements. Reports of the Church’s annual conference
in Lourdes each November are posted during the event. The site also offers
access to a range of sister-sites, such as that representing the Church’s
Episcopal commission on immigration, or its commission on education. The
Vatican site offers a similar range of materials. You are even given the chance
to e-mail the Pope, but don’t expect a personal reply!
France is a secular Republic, but is also
still often referred to a ‘la fille aînée de Rome’. A major theme for
consideration during the module will be the influence of Catholicism, and
religion generally, in secular France. What do the French think of Catholicism
and the Catholic Church? And what is their attitude to religion generally?
Start by reading La
France des “sans-religion” and L’Église à
rebrousse-poil, two articles on this theme published in Le Monde
diplomatique in September 2001. What themes emerge from these articles?
What picture do you get of the French and religion today?
Teaching takes place by lectures and/or
seminars held twice weekly on Mondays (11a.m., French Room 209) and Wednesdays
(12 noon, French Room 209).
Assessment is by coursework (one essay,
worth 33% of the total mark) and written examination (two essays, worth 67% of
the total mark). Coursework is due in by 4pm on Friday 13 December 2002. The
written examination will take place in the January 2003 session.
Editor: Kay Chadwick
Last updated: September 2002
http://www.liv.ac.uk/~ckc/church.html