Cultures, sociétés et politiques des pays anglophones

The course « La vie politique aux États-Unis : US Democracy in Theory & Practice » explores the structure and evolution of democracy in the United States, from its founding ideals to the complex dynamics of contemporary US politics. Through a combination of institutional analysis (chapters 1-6) and theme-based investigation (chapters 7-12), students will engage with core elements of the American political system — including federalism, the three branches of government, and the electoral process — while also examining how power, rights, and representation function in practice. Drawing on constitutional texts, political theory, media discourse, and current events, the course invites students to critically assess the tensions between democratic ideals and experienced political conditions. Topics include political polarization, citizenship, civil rights, media influence, minority participation, and foreign policy. By the end of the course, students will be equipped to analyze the strengths and limitations of U.S. democracy, past and present.

SESSION 1

- Contrôle continu :  •   évaluation continue dans le cadre du TD (60 %)
                                     •    un contrôle final sur le contenu du CM et du TD (40 %)

- Contrôle dérogatoire  : une épreuve sur table en 1 h 30

SESSION 2 : une épreuve sur table de 1 h 30

•    Having taken the course "Cultures, Societies, and Politics of English-speaking Countries" in first-year undergraduate studies 
•    Keeping up with current events through English-language media 
•    Reading in English on a daily basis

- Connaissances théoriques et appliquées sur les États-Unis contemporains

- Méthodologie d’analyse de documents et de rédaction universitaire en anglais

- Compréhension et expression orales et écrites en anglais sur des thématiques en lien avec la politique états-unienne

The American Yawp: A Massively Collaborative Open U.S. History Textbook (https://www.americanyawp.com/)
FAUQUERT, Élisabeth, Civilisation américaine, Malakoff, Armand Colin, 2019.
PAUWELS, Marie-Christine, Civilisation des Etats-Unis, coll Hachette Supérieur, Hachette, latest edition, 2017. (written in English + documents)
PAUWELS, Marie-Christine, Civilisation américaine, coll les Fondamentaux, Hachette, dernière édition 2017 (written in French, no documents).