EC2 2024-2025:
Unit15: The American "Culture of Violence":
In the wake of an intense political campaign, tensions are everywhere to be seen in the US right now. A lot of people consider the US a violent country and culture. Indeed, many mass shootings have recently hit the headlines; the death penalty still exists in more than 30 states and US History is plagued with instances of violence inflicted on others. We will here try to understand the reasons why some people indict the US this way and reflect on how valid these reasons are.
Unit16: National Surveillance vs Civil Liberties in the US and in the UK:
NSA? FISC? DOJ? PRISM? Feeling a little lost? In this Unit, we will try to have a better grasp on the recent NSA snooping scandal in the US. You will find out more about Snowden, Manning or other whistleblowers who made the news in the US and in the UK, study key articles about the surveillance leaks and programs, and reflect on the debate pitting civil liberties against national security. This unit will also be the opportunity to reflect on the upcoming "Imperial presidency" of Donald Trump.
Unit12: The Disenchanted, Dis-United Kingdom: Life after Brexit, the Queen's Demise and the Tories:
Britain is going through challenging times. Indeed, the next few months (and years!) will be crucial for this country: in the aftermath of the Brexit vote, the UK still has to renegotiate its
status in (and out of) the European Union and to overcome major challenges at various levels. A political, constitutional crisis is looming, the Monarchy is weakening, and attention has shifted
to the possibility of a greater devolution of powers. All this bodes ill for Britain's clout around the world, doesn't it?
Unit 13-14: The Media, Politics and The 2024 Presidential Campaign: "(Fake?) Information is Power":
Here, you will reflect on the changes the media has/have been faced with. You will also scrutinize the violence of
contemporary media or the intermingling of the media and politics, not to mention the notions of fake news and free speech. This unit will also give you the opportunity to find out more about the
current presidential campaign in the US and key issues and people in US politics right now. We will also study some of the key images of the campaign, which could be useful for your "Culture
générale" exams.
