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In Honors Theses

Abstract

The world today is experiencing a huge refugee crisis, and many of the migrant refugees crossing Europe seek protection in France. Among the difficulties refugees face is this process of seeking asylum, which is complicated even in France, a country that has been known for being open and welcoming. Throughout the twentieth century France has taken in thousands of war victims at different periods, and the right for the persecuted to seek asylum in France is even written in the French constitution. Why then, do refugees in France often find themselves in poor living conditions, waiting for several months until their applications for asylum are processed – the majority of which get rejected? Refugee children are particularly vulnerable during this time, especially unaccompanied minors, who might not know where to go or what is safe. Luckily, there are numerous social organizations that help them, giving information, food and personal items, while some act for better protection and housing of refugees. Those refugees who do achieve legal protection in France can experience the joys of receiving generous care, and eventually that of personal success, but also the many challenges of integrating into a new society.

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Rights Statement

In Honors Theses

Abstract

Much of our world today depends on electricity. However, the demand for electricity is not consistent throughout the day or even over the course of a year. In order to redistribute the demand more evenly to allow electric utilities to produce electricity as efficiently as possible, demand side management strategies have been enacted by various countries. Analysis of these strategies of different countries can help to determine the most effective demand management practices. This paper will focus on policies and strategies that encourage or require the installation and utilization of smart meters. The United States, New Zealand and the European Union have all taken different approaches towards integrating smart meters and other demand management practices. Examining the success of these different policies in the future will help to determine the best approach for creating a more efficient and clean electricity grid.

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In Honors Theses

Abstract

This thesis examines the historical and political discourse surrounding the Jewish and Muslim communities in France. The study begins with an investigation of the 2011 film, Les hommes libres, in which Muslims hide Jews in the Grand Mosque of Paris during the Nazi Occupation in 1942. A comparison is then made between the events depicted in the film and the current situation facing the Jewish and Muslim populations in France between one another, as well as with the rest of the country. There are several anti-Muslim and anti-Semitic acts that are referenced in the study, in addition to various examples of political discourse from French politicians. One section of the thesis is dedicated to the 2012 Presidential Election in France and the diverse discourse of the Presidential candidates regarding immigration, Church and state, and Israeli-Palestinian relations. The progress that has been made to foster a better relationship between Jews and Muslims in France is the focus of the succeeding section, in which I discuss the social movement that has been taking place across the country. The study concludes with several questions that remain concerning the future for Muslims and Jews in France and whether or not the Presidential Election of 2012 will have an impact on their coexistence.

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In Honors Theses

Abstract

This thesis explores the varying critiques of the French education system as depicted in films. The four films analyzed were: Zéro de conduite (1933), Les quatre cents coups (1959), Entre les murs (2008), and Dans la maison (2012). Two major themes are explored throughout this thesis: the results of the national education system, and the relationship between students and teachers. These themes are explored using both a psychological approach and a technical filmic analysis. In the psychological approach, the psychological maturation of adolescents as it relates to education is explored using theories developed by psychologists such as Olivier Maulini and Suzanne Benack. In the filmic analysis, aspects such as camera angle, motion, and use of light are analyzed. These themes are analyzed in order to determine what one critique each of the films makes about the French educational system. Overall, it was found that the films were linked by their criticism of the French system of national education, which the films showed was too oppressive and failing to educate its students. No solution was proposed by the films, so it is up to the spectators of the films to come to their own solution to the problem.

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Thesis

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In Honors Theses

Abstract

My study begins with a close look at the Parisian "banlieue" and popular imagery associated with it. When the large wave of immigrants came to France in the 1950's, they were very poor and settled in the outskirts of Paris. Today, even some sixty years later, this "banlieue" is roughly synonymous with "slums" or "shantytowns" and is associated with criminal activity, very poor inhabitants, and violence. A distinction between beautiful Paris and the rundown banlieue is defined not only by the appearance of their respective buildings, but by the lives of their inhabitants as well. There is a clear social exclusion occurring between the "Français de souche," or the people of "pure" French ancestors, and the descendants of Arab and Muslim immigrants who live in these shantytowns. French cinema has been a great tool for people to reveal the injustices being imposed on the inhabitants of the banlieue. It reveals how the government and other social forces have used their power to marginalize these groups of people in the banlieue in a desire to protect a certain vision of French national identity, one which does not take the contributions of people of other backgrounds. However, in an ever-changing world, failure to adapt to the changing times and excluding groups of people based on their ethnicity, religion, race, etc., is increasingly dangerous. As my study goes on to show, the people of the banlieue have lost hope to change their social and economic standing and their faith in the French government. Therefore, I propose that the people of the banlieue have become targets of terrorist groups such as ISIS. It is very important to understand why terrorist organizations are attractive to some people in the banlieue. Now, in the aftermath of the most recent terrorist attacks in France, the 13th of November 2015, the world powers, especially France, must consider the possible responses. My last pages show that there are many intricacies to consider when weighing the possible responses such as the goals and desires of other world powers, the costs and benefits of repairing the social fracture in France, and the complexities of another war in the Middle East.

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In Honors Theses

Abstract

Between 1853 and 1870 the face of Paris was dramatically altered by the modernization effort on the part of the Second French Empire. Hundreds of thousands were displaced, billions of francs were paid out by the government, and old Paris gave way to the new. This is important today to the study of history as it marks the definitive end of an era of aristocratic oriented government and the start of the prominence afforded to the middle classes. The renovation of Paris and the Palais Garnier defined an architectural style called Second Empire that was copied by many cities across the western world and still defines the iconic images of Paris. Understanding the layout and popularity of the renovation help to explain why many cities such as Vienna, Berlin, or Buenos Aires look the way they do today. The economy of Paris in the nineteenth century and today relies on the renovation to boost growth and sustain the billions of euros spent by tourists every year. And finally, Haussmann's renovation of Paris substantially improved the standard of living of the average Parisian and laid the groundwork for the modern amenities that the city enjoys today.

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In Honors Theses

Abstract

In response to the French Revolution, sections of British and American political society mobilized to curtail the influence of French-inspired radicals and enforce their own power. Between 1789 and 1806, a process of democratic backsliding occurred simultaneously in Britain and America with remarkably similar characteristics. This is notable for the British and American cases, whose political systems famously ensured liberty and tranquility. Elements of both nations remained extremely hostile to the French Revolution beginning with March on Versailles and promoted legislation seeking to directly undermine political opposition. The antipathy towards the Revolution fractured British and American society into conservatives, moderates, and radicals, who came into conflict with one another. The composition of these groups, their political programs, and their conflicts were similar across national boundaries. This era is notable for the quick change away from libertarian government to attempted state suppression and calls to mind modern democratic backsliding due to alleged foreign backed political opposition.

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In Honors Theses

Abstract

Everyday, people feel a calling to become a doctor for various reasons. These reasons include experiencing a disease or illness either through a family member or on one's own, having a desire since childhood from hearing stories and wanting to help others, and perhaps wanting to propagate a family tradition and career. Out of all of the many reasons in the world, a desire to help others rises above the rest among to-be doctors. Thus, medical students and doctors dedicate their lives to learning about the human body in depth, well beyond what any introductory courses in biology will teach. Yet, while students who eventually become doctors do enjoy their time in medical school and in their career, they often go into the field without realizing the immense stress that will be placed upon them. My thesis focuses on the source of all of these stressors and how they compare between two medical systems: in France and in the United States. What exactly are French and American medical students and doctors facing that leads to burnout? What can be done to ameliorate the stress that doctors in both of these countries experience?

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Thesis

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In Alumni Files

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DigitalDocument

In Alumni Files

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DigitalDocument

In Alumni Files

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DigitalDocument

In Alumni Files

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DigitalDocument

In Alumni Files

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DigitalDocument

In Lucille W. Brown and Stephen M. Berk Oral Histories of American Jews

Abstract

Audio and transcript of an interview with Freda Wolfsheimer by Lucille Brown of Union College. Freda was born in 1897 in Weickersheim, Germany.

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Conversation

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In Mohawk Watershed Symposium, Abstracts and program

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DigitalDocument

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