Introduction

This introduction provides an overview of key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The term French cultural studies is not to be confused with the cultural theory, a branch of intellectual activity concerned with the general analysis of society through culture. Many students of French today read comparatively little literature. They may be studying French as part of a joint degree with other subjects, perhaps science or business studies or vocational courses of all kinds, including other languages. They probably devote much time to language study itself, since secondary and high schools do not always take them to an advanced level. The book uses the term ’cultural’ in a fairly pragmatic and general way to include the world-view of various sections of French society. The book intends to help students find their bearings before going further into whatever takes their fancy.