Aims: To enhance students' awareness of the physical, human, economic and political geography of France as reflected in the 'capitale'/ 'province' opposition; to examine the ways in which difference is asserted in political and cultural terms.
Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
* describe the historical roots of regional imbalances in France;
* analyse the specific attributes of selected regions;
* evaluate the relative importance of cultural, political and social factors in delineating regional difference.
Skills: Skills in critical analysis, conceptual thinking, precision in the use of written and spoken language, exercise of independent judgement, reasoned argument, teamwork and the planning/conduct/reporting of non-quantitative research are taught and assessed in this unit. Skills in effective learning and language skills are developed in this unit.
Content: The history of regional development and underdevelopment; the preponderance of Paris; the importance of the 'Paris et le désert français' factor; cultural and linguistic diversity; the impact of regional policies of the EU; selected regional specificities.
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