Cultures, sociétés et politiques des pays anglophones EAD

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.

By the end of the course, students will be able to:
•    Demonstrate comprehensive theoretical and applied knowledge of contemporary United States politics, including the foundational principles, institutions, and structures of U.S. democracy at federal, state, and local levels.
•    Apply rigorous methodologies for critical document analysis and academic writing in English, developing clear, structured, and well-supported arguments on topics related to U.S. political life.
•    Enhance proficiency in both oral and written English communication, enabling precise comprehension and expression on complex political issues pertaining to the United States.
•    Critically analyze and engage with major political tensions and challenges in contemporary U.S. society, such as representation, media influence, civil rights, and social inclusion or exclusion.
•    Construct informed, nuanced arguments regarding the current state and future prospects of democracy in the United States, integrating institutional understanding with socio-political dynamics.

SESSION 1 : Une épreuve sur table en 1 h 30

SESSION 2 : Une épreuve sur table en 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

- Compréhension et expression orales et écrites en anglais sur des thématiques en lien avec
la politique états-unienne
- Méthodologie d’analyse de documents et de rédaction en anglais

The American Yawp: A Massively Collaborative Open U.S. History Textbook
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).