This presentation will encompass the life, works and philosophy of the author Albert Camus. Camus is considered to be one of the most influential writers/philosophers of the exitential movement. He is internationally celebrated for his books, most notably The Stranger. Camus's life, growing up in northern Africa, directly affected his world view and personal philosophy, which he expressed in his writings. These expressions were adopted by the rst of the world, and remain in the international public consciousness to this day, making him a truly timeless author.

April 20th 2006
Mary DeMona-PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN THE EUROPEAN UNION

In view of the current global environment crisis, it is important that governmental agencies put into action policies that will positively affect the environment. The European Union bases its environmental policies on basic principles that promote the development of sustainability. The EU has realized the importance of maintaining the earth's natural resources in order to preserve the ecological diversity of the planet. Thus, the EU has become an organization concerned about protecting the environment but it also focuses on creating a world with a healthy and diverse environment for future generations by reclaiming what was once polluted.

April 20th, 2006
Anna Farrell-THE MANY FACETS OF FRENCH CULTURE

This presentation will reveal how I benefited from my study abroad experience in Montpellier, France during the Spring semester 2005. Not only did I benefit professionally as a future French and Art teacher, but I also grew personally and academically. Some topics to be included in this presentation are the places I visited, what it was like to live with a French family, and the changes that France is experiencing as a result of increased immigration from Northen Africa, and joining the European Union. I will also explain the challenges I faced as a foreign student, and how I changed for the better because of the experience.

Undergraduate Research Symposium
April 21, 2005

Kendra Siwik-QUEBEC WITHIN THE CANADIAN FEDERATION

Our presentation will give an overview of the distinct society of Quebec: the only francophone majority in Canada and on the North American Continent. It is made of francophone and modern people who have decided to meet the challenge of asserting their place and role in Canada. They are also present on the international scene to preserve and promote their unique culture in Quebec vouching to meet the challenges of the 21rst Century. Of course, one cannot speak of this society without studying first the general background of their history.

Jason Davidson-THE FRANCO-AMERICANS

Thirty percent of all French speaking people in the U. S. A. live in New England. By the mid 19th Century, the North-East accommodated thousands of French-Canadians in search of a better life. The unemployment worsened due to an economic and sociopolitical crisis in Quebec, forcing them to relocate where new industries offered higher wages. However, the decision to remain in the host country and to acquire American citizenship did not start the process of assimilation. Quebecois were mobilized to maintaiun and transmit their identity; they became "Franco-Americans," an epithet that underlines their desire to remain heirs to the French language and culture. They recreated their own ethnic microcoms in the industrial town districts they called "Petits Canadas".

Undergraduate Research Symposium
April 24, 2003

THE GROWING RIFT: FRENCH AND AMERICAN RELATIONS, Presented by: Chris SANTINI -

As a citizen and resident of both France and America, I shall explore the current quagmire of France and America's cross-Atlantic relationship. The two countries have been staunch allies since each other's revolutions over two centuries ago, yet there has always been a turbulent undercurrent. The French increasingly denounce America for its cultural and economic imperialism, and at the same time Americans accuse the French of being arrogant, uncooperative and ungrateful. Through the impetus of the Bush Administration's push for war in Iraq, this emotionally charged alliance is at its most strained in recent history. Many Americans are calling for drastic measures such as boycott of French products, and the removal of France as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, while antipathy to all things American rises in France. I shall examine how this current rift came to be and where things may go from here.

NAPOLEON BONAPARTE: TRUTH AND MYTH OF A GENIUS, Presented by: Anna FARRELL -

This paper is about the personality of Napoleon Bonaparte. In this composition, it is explained that although Napoleon possessed many positive qualities, he was not without his faults. This topic is explored by discussing two views that historians use to describe him. Some historians, like Antoine de Bourrienne, Napoleon's personal secretary, depict him from the perspective of an idealist. They paint him as a noble, virtuous man who was also a genius in battle. Not only that, but these historians praise his generosity towards the members of his family. Meanwhile, the other view held by certain historians is that of the realist. These historians describe his positive attributes, but they do not avoid writing about his flaws either. For example, George Brandes makes the point in his book Creative Spirits of the Nineteenth Century, that although he was generous with his wife and family, Napoleon was harsh with them. Finally, this paper concludes with an example of a contemporary leader, Bill Clinton. Along with his worthy personality traits, like intelligence and diligence, this former President of the United States, like Napoleon, claimed his share of flaws.

THE UPCOMING PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS IN FRANCE, Presented by: Chris SANTINI -

This upcoming month of May 2002, France will hold presidential elections. Due to new changes in electoral policy, this election will end a system of "cohabitation," a political stalemate with a conservative president and leftist prime minister sharing power. The victor will now have the opportunity to enact more far-reaching legislation. We will examine the major candidates in the presidential race, their respective platforms and a few issues at hand in this race that will carry France withing Europe down a new path in the era of globalization.

THE INSTITUTIONS OF THE FIFTH REPUBLIC, Presented by Alexander RAYMOND

France, like the United States of America, is a republic i.e. her citizens elect those who govern them. The constitution establishes the relationship between the various branches of government and they differ greatly between the two democracies. French main institutions all date from the Revolution and the First Empire. The French constitution changed five times in the last 200 years. However, the constitution of the fifth Republic, the most durable, still governs the French people today. It was established in 1958 by Charles De Gaulle to create a presidential-parliamentary system of government.

The president elected by direct universal suffrage holds executive powers. The deputies of the National Assembly elected in the same fashion may approve or reject his decisions. They cannot, however, remove him from office. As for the Senate whose members are elected by Electoral College, it has but a consultative role. It is important to know the respecive structure and the role of each branch of government to undertsand the upcoming presidential race taking place this April and May, 2002.

QUEBEC AND THE U.S.A PARTNERSHIP Presented by Theresa SCHWAGER AND Youssef SAWARES

Quebec is a young pluralistic society with a unique history, geography, population, language and culture. Its French roots, historic ties to Great-Britain, North Amrican lifestyle and contributions from its many cultural communities make Qebec a "distinct society" in North America. Quebec shares interests of primary importance with the United States. Moreover, with NAFTA trade relations between the U.S.A and Quebec now represent three-quaters of Quebec's exports and has become one of the largest trading partners with the U.S.

ACADIANS: ANOTHER FRENCH-SPEAKING CULTURE IN NORTH AMERICA Presented by Jeremiah GWOZDZIEWYCZ

Many people are aware of the French presence in Quebec and believe that Quebecers are the only French speaking population in Canada. Contrary to popular belief, another significant group of Francophones live in Canada: The ACADIANS. This presentation will attempt to meet this facinating culture, retrace the Acadian's diaspora through the Louisiana bayous and as far as the Falkland Islands, near Argentina. We shall study the impact of the resilient people on American culture focusing in particular on Louisiana and Pennsylvania.

Undergraduate Research Symposium
April 19, 2000

FRANCE IN THE EUROPEAN UNION Presented by:
On January, 1 1995, the EU admitted Austria, Finland and Sweden, swelling its membership to fifteen states, increasing its population to 370 million, creating the world's largest trading block, and becoming potentially one of the two most powerful political entities in the world. France inspired, and sometimes dominated, the process by which the European Coal and Steel Community was transformed into this economic and political giant. In all of French history, no actions of the French have exerted in more beneficient effect on the European neighbours then their role in advancing the integration of Europe since the end of the second World War.

FASCISM IN FRANCE (?) Presented by: Jeremiah GWOZDZIEWYCZ
Today Europe speeds ahead towards the European Union. However, not everyone is thrilled. Some people see this as the latest in a series of disagreeable events. In France, a group that spearheads this discontent is the National Front. Their major problem is with the number of immigrants and the burden they imposed upon France's generous social welfare safety net. The group's slogan "France to the French," has become a rallying cry and the party has been earning a suprisingly high number of votes. Clashing against this party is SOS Racisme, who opposes the National Front diametrically. We will explore this important issue of contemporary France.

Undergraduate Research Symposium
April 20, 1999

STANDARD FRENCH: MYTH OR REALITY? Presented by: Rebecca JUAREZ-CRUZ, Esther FALCONE AND Diana ORTWEIN
Within the French-Speaking world, the written and spoken standard promoted through centralized state education has become a prestigious International Language. One of the reasons for this, is its relative stability and conformity amongst users. However, French speakers use their language with as much diversity as do speakers of other languages. The variety stems from such factors as age, sex, social class and geography. We shall focus on the variation from two main angles : geographical and social. the geaographical aspect will consider diversity in France before world varieties. we will also examine the social class factor and its interplay with language.

Undergraduate Research Symposium
April 22, 1998

EURO: THE NEW EUROPEAN CURRENCY Presented by: Julio TORRES AND Kerri ALOI
By January 1, 1999 the European Union is scheduled to launch a single currency which entails a formidable historical revolution for 15 European Countries. Our presentation will attempt to evaluate the political, social and economic changes that this historical event will bring about. We shall focus on the background, the different stages of this ominous prject, the pros and cons, risks and benefits. Additionally we shall attempt fo forecast some results of this new euroland.