Example French dissertation topic 1:

The Common Agricultural Policy: Presenting a French viewpoint.

Concerned as to the misrepresentation (in the British press) of the views of French farmers and the importance of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) to both their well-being and the long term viability of French agriculture, this dissertation challenges existent stereotypes by presenting a French view. First, the dissertation critiques the stories in the British press and ascertains the view of the British public regarding these stories through the undertaking of 20 face to face interviews. Secondly, it presents and evaluates French political commentaries on the CAP. Thirdly, it evaluates and presents a summary of the view of French farmers (compiled through interviews). In so doing it hopes to dispel many of the myths surrounding the attitudes of French farmers and their working practices and, through that, to foster greater continental understanding between citizens of France and Britain.

Suggested initial topic reading:

• Chatellier, V. (2000). ‘La modulation des aides directes l’agriculture française’. INRA Sciences Sociales, vol. 5/99, pp. 12-16.
• Doherty, B. and Hayes, G. (2012). ‘Tactics, traditions and opportunities: British and French crop-trashing actions in comparative perspective’. European Journal of Political Research.
• Lowe, P., Buller, H. and Ward, N. (2002). ‘Setting the next agenda? British and French approaches to the second pillar of the Common Agricultural Policy’. Journal of Rural Studies, vol. 18(1), pp. 1-17.