World Cultures Name: Natalie

Seaner__________________________
Unit I Europe Block: __4_____
Exploring a European Country Research Activity
Instructions: Using the Worldmark Encyclopedia of Cultures and Daily Life (found through the library
database Gale Virtual Reference Library; username and password is colonials), research a European
nation of interest to you and complete the items below thoughtfully and completely. Be prepared to
share what youve learned with your peers.
1. To what extent was this country ruled by others? Use evidence to support your answer.
This country was originally part of the Celtic region known as Gaul, France and became part of the
Roman Empire until it was taken over by the Franks. At the end of the 10th century, Hugh Capet
founded the dynasty that was to rule over the French for the next 800 years. Louis XIV transformed
France into a monarchy in the 17th century.
2. Which 20th century events had the greatest influence on this country? Choose two events and
explain their impact.
France went through two world wars and a worldwide economic depression. However it has survived in
the 21st century to become a major political and economic world power. WWI trench warfare
devastated France. WWII allowed for all French colonies to gain independence.
3. Identify the following:
Topic
Details
Well known cities, regions, or landforms

Paris, France. The Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triumphed, Notre Dame Cathedral.
Relative size (size in relationship to another place)
France is roughly the same size as Texas.
Description of natural environment

France has a temperate climate in the north and Northeastern areas have more continental climates
with warm summers and cold, snowy winters. Rainfall is distributed throughout the year.
Population size
66.03 million People
Degree of diversity (1=homogenous; 10=very diverse) with explanation

1, homogenous. Everyone in France basically shares the same culture, like Americans.
Languages/Alphabets
French is the official language


4. How does folklore influence the peoples worldview or actions? Explain your answer using specific
details.
Native folklore varies from region to region. Ancient Celtic religious sites can still be found in the north.
One example of folklore is that when a person dies, the windows and doors of the home are usually
opened so that the soul can depart.
5. What religion(s) is practiced in this country, and how does it impact the people?
The most popular religion practiced is Roman Catholic, then Protestant, Jewish and Muslim.

6. Are rites of passage in this country similar to or different from rites of passage in the U.S.? Explain
your answer using specific pieces of evidence.
Many of the rites of passage that young people undergo are religious rituals, such as baptism, first
communion, confirmation and marriage.
7. What tips on interpersonal behavior might you give to an American who is about to travel to this
country? Provide at least three.
Money is considered a foreign topic for discussion. A French person will usually bring a gift such as wine
or flowers and men and women greet one another with kissing on the cheek.
8. Is the standard of living in this country better, worse, or about the same as that of the U.S.? Justify
your answer with at least three pieces of evidence.

I would say that it is worse than the U.S. Most city dwellers rent apartments, and immigrants from
Northern Africa usually live in big suburban houses that are run-down and crowded. There isnt as much
variety as we have in America.
9. Is family important in this country? Why or why not? Use specific details in your response.

Usually, lots of generations live in the home all together. More recently it usually involves the parents,
occasionally the grandparents and 2-3 kids. Kids in college go to school close by and come home often.
Family ties are important to French.


10. Does this country have distinctive traditional clothing? Explain your answer citing specific details.
The only traditional clothing they wear is the occasional black beret, which is still worn by some men,
particularly in rural areas.

11. How has globalization impacted food and diet in this country? Explain your answer using specific
facts.
Globalization has impacted food and diets in France. There are McDonalds and Burger Kings in France.

12. How might your educational experience in this country differ from the schooling you receive in the
U.S.?

Education is required between the ages of 6-16. Public school is free. After 5 years at a primary school,
students will then spend 4 years at a middle school.
13. What cultural influences or accomplishments is this country best known for? List and describe at
least three.
France has many contributions. France is famous for its impressionist painters, Pierre Auguste Renoir is
one of the most famous ones. Hector Berloiz has contributed to music as a great 19th-century
composer. Marcel Proust is considered to be Frances best 20th century writer.

14. Summarize the overall economy of this country in 2-3 sentences.
The economy of France is the fifth largest in the world, and is the second largest economy in Europe.
France entered the recession of the late 2000s, but unlike most other countries, was able to recover.
France has 31 of the 500 largest companies in the world.
15. How do people of this country spend their leisure time? List at least five activities. Would you
want to live there?

Gardening, home improvement and cooking are the top favorite leisure time activities. Television is also
popular. The French also love going to the beach in August. I would want to live there but not
permanently. I think that France is a much simple lifestyle and would be easygoing.
16. List (in order of significance) what you feel are the three biggest problems that this country needs
to resolve.

High employment, pollution and inadequate housing.
17. Are all people treated equally in this country? Why or why not? Explain your answer using specific
evidence.
Yes, I believe that all people are treated equally in France. Though there aren't as many women in the
workplace in France as there is in the US, I believe that everyone is generally nice in France. There are
rumors that the French dislike Muslims, but I could not find any specific evidence to support that.