French politics, government, culture, legal system, multi-ethnic challenges, and France in Europe. 

Below are four suggestions:

1. From the time of Napoleon I, the French Civil Code placed the family at the center of French society.  Yet the family of today is quite different from what it was in the 19th century.  How is the French State handling these changes?
2. On May 12, 2006, the New York Times published an article entitled “Higher Learning in France Clings to Its Old Ways.” The journalist paints a grim picture of university education in France, quoting one disenchanted graduate of Paris-Nanterre who calls the universities nothing more than factories.  The complaints may be legion, but solutions do not come easy in a society used to having the state pay for everything. What sort of future do you see for young people in France today compared to their American counterparts?
3. A few years ago, a New York Times journalist asked the question: Has France become a museum? To what extent do you believe that France clings excessively to its past and cultural heritage or do you find evidence that the French have achieved — or can achieve — a balance between  preservation and innovation?  Be sure to cite references to document your opinion.
4. How would you evaluate Sarkozy’s leadership as president of the French Republic? What are the major accomplishments of his presidency? What challenges has he faced and what challenges lie ahead for his party. Discuss whether you think he will run for a second term in 2012 and, if he runs, what you think his chances are for re-election.

Papers:  300-500 words and have at least 3-5 references showing that you researched the topic

You can choose one of them to write