French Connections Hotlist

French Connections Hotlist
An Internet Hotlist on French Connections

created by JBielack
McClintock High School

Introduction
Now it's time to explore a little more in depth into cultures and topics that are French. The following list of websites has been compiled to offer a variety of topics for you to explore. For this project, you will explore three or more websites/articles. Write a 'journal' style repsonse, being sure to give your opinion about some of the details you read/see. Each reponse should be one-half page in length, for a total of one and a half pages. Avoid summarizing. If there is something in particular that you wish to explore but cannot find among these sites, you may cruise other websites for pertinent information. Please let the instructor know what you found,so we may incorporate it for others. Merci, bonne chance, et bon voyage!

The Internet Resources

Art , Literature & Fashion

French Impressionism - A brief introduction to the art of Impressionism, with links to various artists and their paintings.
'RootsWorld' (Youssou N'Dour) - This is a review of the last (not most recent) 'album' released by the Senegalese musician Youssou N'Dour; it also gives biographical information about him.
'The Little Prince' by Antoine Saint-Exupery - Explore the actual text of a children's story that is not for children, usually read in third or fourth year French classes. (once translated by your teacher!)
Ballet Dancers by Edgar Degas - A series of paintings by Degas (Impressionist) of ballet dancers; links to other sites.
How is Tony Parker's Album Playing in Paris? - Some commentary by an ESPN reporter who went to Paris to see how the French feel about not only Parker's new album, but his lifestyle, success, etc.
The Louvre - Find out a little bit about everything here at the official Louvre website: the history, collections, activities, prices, facility, etc.

Outside of France

Belgium - Interesting facts about this country next to France, where French is also spoken. You should look at more than one sub-category.
French Polynesia (South Pacific Islands) - A site where you can read about the geography, history, language and traditions of these French speaking islands, including Tahiti.
Traditional Cajun Music - Besides showing how Cajun music evolved, this article gives a brief history of the people, their origins, and their settling in Louisiana.

French symbols & standards

Discover France - This site has links to a variety of categories: history, art, food,ecology, ect.
French Cultural Iconography - Many sites about the people, places and things that have come to represent France in modern times. Some sites have an English version, whereas others are only in French.
Notre Dame Cathedral - A history of the very old cathedral that is the 'center of Paris' and the location of the book/film about the famous hunchback. Links to other sites, including French films.
The Fleur de Lis Symbol - History of the fleur de lis symbol in France and elsewhere.

Looking Back in Time

Drancy: Internment Camp in Paris, WW II - From the Holocaust Museum Site, some of the facts about the French internment site, from which Jewish residents were deported to concentration camps.
French fashion during time of Marie Antoinette - 'Thumbnail' sketches and descriptions of outfits worn by men and women during the time of the French Revolution (late 1700's).
Joan of Arc - Biography and historice documents concerning the life and death (by execution) of this famous young warrior (and saint) of France.
Moulin Rouge - A brief history of the actual dance hall in Paris, including a description of the more famous artists who performed (or painted) there.
The Guillotine & Napoleon - Brief history of the guillotine and its use during the French Revolution. Links to many sites about the Emperor Napoleon.

Current topics

France: Vive les Nukes - This article talks about how nuclear power is a cleaner form of energy that can help prevent global warming (brought about by the burning of fossil fuels). France is the forerunner in a return to nuclear energy.
Mc Solaar, French Rapper - MC Solaar, French rapper, his life, his music.
No Foie Gras (French delicacy) - This article talks about animal rights in conjunction with the French culinary delicacy 'foie gras,' made from goose liver. The incident took place in California, but the food is typically French.
Tale of Two Presidents - This is a relatively recent (short) article, higlighting French President Sarkosy's thoughts on Obama's ideas about Iran.
Zizou, French Soccer Player - A short biography of the controversial French soccer plsyer, infsmous for the 'head-butting' incident against Italy in the 2006 World Cup.

Content by JBielack, jbielack.mhs@tuhsd.k12.az.us
http://www.kn.att.com/wired/fil/pages/listfrenchcjb.html
Last revised Thu Feb 11 8:19:29 US/Pacific 2010