The French Worker

Franceis considered one of the great cultural capitals of the world and has one ofthe top five economies in the world. What type of worker can support thiseconomy?  The focus of this course is tovisit one of the most beautiful cities in the world and examine the workerwhich makes it all happen. 

The current global economic issues have resulted in the needfor European countries to reconsider existing social contracts with their laborforce. We will spend ten days exploring various past and current political,business and social forces and events which have and continue to form theFrench work force.  Some of the topics wewill cover include the formation of the European Union, the impact of French socialand political revolutions, the desirability of a 35 hour work week by industryand the French worker, who is and isn’t a French citizen, the purpose andresults of strikes on the economy, the evolution of the French welfare system.

This course is designed for the student who is consideringworking for a globally focused company, wants to learn a differing view on therelationship between work and leisure, wish to know more about France other than where the Eiffel Toweris and/or enjoys a broadening of their cultural knowledge.

We will discuss topics regarding the French worker andsociety each morning and visit a relevant site or company in theafternoon.  In addition, to the classroomstudy, we will explore Paris’s majorattractions, visit Versailles, have a course onFrench wines, enjoy traditional French cuisine, and see Paris’s fashion centers.

Prerequisite: Junior status or consent of instructor