human characteristics of france essay

France, the largest country in Western Europe, has long been a gateway between the continent's northern and southern regions.

France, the largest country in Western Europe, has long been a gateway between the continent's northern and southern regions. Its lengthy borders touch Germany and Belgium in the north; the Atlantic Ocean in the west; the Pyrenees Mountains and Spain in the south.

Wide fertile plains dominate most of the north and west, making France the agricultural epicenter of Europe. The sprawling, forested plateau of the Massif Central, a range of ancient mountains and extinct volcanoes, occupies France's southern interior.

Map created by National Geographic Maps

PEOPLE & CULTURE

France is one of the oldest nations on Earth and the most ethnically diverse country in Europe. These deep and broad influences have made France a world leader throughout history in nearly all aspects of culture, including cuisine, wine-making, politics, philosophy, music, art, film, fashion, literature, and sports.

France has ample land area to provide habitat for a wide variety of plants and animals. More than 25 percent of its territory is covered with forest, and another 50 percent is countryside or farmland.

Lowland forests are home to deer and wild boar, while the woodlands of the Alps and Pyrenees provide refuge for rare chamois antelope, ibex, brown bears , and alpine hares, among many other species. The Mediterranean coastline is a stopover of millions of migrating African birds , including flamingos , vultures , egrets, and bee-eaters.

The French government has made a broad commitment to preserving open spaces and the wildlife they contain. About 10 percent of the country has been set aside as national or regional parklands and nature reserves.

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Frenchlanguagebasics 🇫🇷

Learn French the fast and easy way!

Understanding French People and Their Characteristics: An Exploration of French Culture

Deconstructing french stereotypes: a look at the characteristics of french people.

France is a country that has captivated the world for centuries, from its stunning architecture and art to its world-renowned cuisine and fashion. The French people are known for their distinct and fascinating culture, and in this blog post, we’ll explore the characteristics that define them.

• Love of Art and Beauty: French people are known for their appreciation of art and beauty. French art, fashion, and architecture are all renowned for their elegance and sophistication. French people also take great pride in their personal appearance and style, and it’s common to see people dressed impeccably, even for casual occasions.
• Importance of Family: Family is highly valued in French culture. French people often have close-knit families and spend a lot of time together, especially during holidays and special occasions. Sunday lunches are a common tradition in many French households, where families gather to share a meal and spend quality time together.
• Passion for Food and Wine: French cuisine is renowned worldwide, and for good reason. French people have a deep love for food and wine, and it’s an important part of their culture. They take great pride in the quality and presentation of their meals and are known for their fine dining experiences.
• Love of Conversation: French people are known for their love of conversation and discussion. It’s common to see people engaged in lively debates and discussions, often over a cup of coffee or a glass of wine. French people are also highly opinionated, and they value open and honest communication.
• Respect for Tradition: French people have a deep respect for their cultural traditions, and it’s a significant part of their identity. They take pride in their country’s history and heritage, and it’s common to see them celebrate their traditions and cultural practices, especially during national holidays and festivals.
• Emphasis on Education: Education is highly valued in French culture, and it’s considered an essential part of personal development. French people take their education seriously, and it’s not uncommon to see them pursuing higher education and advanced degrees.
• Love of Sports: Sports are an essential part of French culture, and it’s common to see people engaging in various athletic activities. Football (soccer), rugby, tennis, and cycling are all popular sports in France, and the country has produced numerous world-renowned athletes in these sports.

In conclusion, French people are known for their love of art, beauty, food, and wine, as well as their deep respect for tradition and family. They also have a strong emphasis on education and a passion for sports. Understanding the characteristics of French people is essential for anyone looking to understand and appreciate the rich culture of this fascinating country.

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Embarking on a cultural odyssey: unveiling the charms of France culture

As a hub of sorts including fashion, cuisine, art and architecture, Paris is what many people think of when it comes to French culture. Yet that is a rookie mistake… because life outside of the City of Lights is very different and varies by region. Prepare to set sail on a wondrous journey through the enchanting realm of France culture, where each step uncovers a dazzling tapestry of customs and traditions that have shaped this exquisite nation. From the iconic streets of Paris to the quaint countryside, every corner of La Belle France beckons with its own unique allure, inviting you to immerse yourself in its rich heritage.

Language in France: a melodic blend of voices

As you step foot on the cobblestone streets, the symphony of France culture begins, and at its heart lies the melodious French language. The language of love and romance, it flows like a gentle river through the conversations of over 70 million residents, weaving a harmonious medley of words that bind the nation together.

But listen closely, and you'll hear a delightful fusion of dialects and languages from every corner of the world. German, Flemish, Arabic, Italian, Chinese, Vietnamese, Creole, and Breton add vibrant hues to the cultural canvas, celebrating the nation's diversity and openness to the world.

Nevertheless, when you go, it pays to know some basic French phrases as locals often appreciate the efforts put in by visitors who try to speak their language. Just don’t confuse faire la tête (to sulk) with faire la fête (to party)!

French Cuisine: a gastronomic ballet

France is a foodie capital (External link) for a reason.

Prepare to be enchanted by the culinary ballet that unfolds in France, for this is the land where food becomes art, and dining is a celebration of life. France culture embraces gastronomy with a passion, elevating every meal to a symphony of flavors and textures that dance upon the taste buds.

French cuisine speaks of expression and passion; and much socialising is done around lengthy meals and is completelly part of the French culture and traditions.

From the sumptuous boeuf bourguignon (External link) , where tender beef melds with velvety wine sauce, to the savory coq au vin, where chicken and red wine unite in a harmonious duet, each dish is a masterpiece of culinary creativity. Savor the richness of ratatouille (External link) , a sun-kissed melody of vegetables that transports you to the idyllic gardens of Provence.

Over the years, cooking styles (External link) have evolved from the heavier, saucier and more complicated dishes to what is now a reflection of a modern yet still highly sophisticated society.

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Fashion in France: A Haute Couture Symphony

Behold the elegance that graces the boulevards of Paris, where the world of fashion becomes a symphony of style. France culture boasts a legacy of haute couture, with Paris reigning as the unrivaled fashion capital of the globe. Locals exude sophistication effortlessly, their outfits a work of art that combines classic elegance with contemporary chic.

The streets become a catwalk, where demure flowy dresses, well-cut suits, and stylish long coats waltz in harmony with scarves and berets. Embrace the enchanting magique of French style, and let your own fashion sense dance to the rhythm of Parisian glamour.

As a fashion capital , Paris (External link) is home to numerous high-end fashion houses including Chanel, Christian Dior, Hermes and Louis Vuitton__.

You will notice that many locals have a distinct sophisticated style, which seems effortlessly thrown together. That’s the French magique! Typical outfits include demure flowy dresses, well-cut suits, long coats, scarves and berets.

Art and Architecture and culture in France

As you venture through the heart of France culture, prepare to be awestruck by the timeless beauty of art and architecture that adorn the cities and towns. Paris, a living art gallery, showcases a breathtaking array of cultural and architectural styles, each reflecting a different chapter in the nation's history. Marvel at the soaring Gothic cathedrals that touch the heavens, their majestic spires reaching for the divine. Embrace the graceful facades of Renaissance palaces, where opulence and refinement unite in a harmonious symphony. Each building tells a story, a testimony to the artistic brilliance that has shaped the nation.

The French LOVE their art (External link) . And we love that about the French! Art is everywhere and you simply cannot escape from it, particularly in Paris (External link) and other major cities. As you explore the cities and towns, you will no doubt appreciate the many different cultural and architectural styles that decorate the cities’ interior and skylines.

Gothic, Renaissance, Romanesque Rococo and Neoclassic influences can be seen in many churches and public buildings, mixed in with somef modern architecture.

As for some of history's most renowned artists such as Claude Monet, Edgar Degas and Camille Pissarro , Paris was a major source of their inspiration, which gave rise to the Impressionism movement in the 19th century. When you visit, you must make it a point to visit the Louvre Museum in Paris. It is among the world's largest museums and is home to many famous works of art, including the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo.

Cinema is also a big part of the French Culture .

Cinema: A Love Letter to Life

France culture holds cinema in its heart, for it is through this magical art form that stories come alive and emotions find their voice. As you step into the world of French cinema, you'll be swept away by a love letter to life, where every frame is a canvas that paints the complexities of human emotions. Dive into the depths of French cinema, where drama and comedy intertwine, leaving audiences captivated by the magic of storytelling.

In the realm of French culture, cinema is an art form that holds a special place in the hearts of the French people. It is more than just entertainment; it is a powerful medium that offers a window to the soul of the nation. The French film industry has a rich and storied history, dating back to the birth of cinema itself. From the pioneering works of the Lumière brothers in the late 19th century to the avant-garde movements of the 20th century, French cinema has been a trailblazer in shaping the language of cinema worldwide.

Every year, the Alliance Française organizes the highly anticipated French Film Festival, a celebration of the finest cinematic treasures that France has to offer. With a carefully curated lineup of films spanning a diverse range of genres, from thought-provoking dramas to heartwarming comedies, the festival provides a captivating showcase of the art of storytelling. These films transport audiences to the heart of French culture, offering a glimpse into the intricacies of human emotions and experiences that resonate across borders and cultures.

At the French Film Festival, viewers are invited to embark on an exquisite journey through the lives of characters who grapple with love, loss, joy, and hope. The films delve into the complexities of human relationships, reflecting the nuances of French society and the human condition. The artful cinematography, evocative soundtracks, and compelling performances by some of France's most talented actors create an immersive experience that leaves a lasting impression on the audience.

French cinema is not confined to the glitz and glamour of mainstream productions; it also embraces the world of independent and art-house films. These often push the boundaries of storytelling, exploring themes that are thought-provoking and unconventional. The French filmmakers' unyielding commitment to artistic expression has earned them accolades and recognition at prestigious international film festivals, solidifying France's place as a powerhouse in the global film industry.

For cinephiles and enthusiasts alike, the French Film Festival is a cineaste's dream come true. It provides an opportunity to discover the works of emerging filmmakers and rediscover the masterpieces of legendary directors. Audiences can witness the evolution of French cinema over the decades, observing how it has mirrored and shaped society's changing values and aspirations.

Tip: Grab a Paris Pass (External link) to get access to over 50 of Paris’ cultural and art attractions.

For more travel inspiration and information on France Rail Passes and tickets, head to www.raileurope.com.au (External link) , where you can use the destination guide (External link) and interactive map to help with the trip planning.

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France facts

Learn about one of europe’s most amazing countries.

Ooh la la ! Ready for the lowdown on one of Europe’s most amazing countries? Then check out our fascinating facts about France …

Facts about France

Official Name : French Republic Form of government : Republic Capital : Paris Population : 67, 092, 056 Official languages : French Monetary unit : Euro Area : 543,965 square kilometres Major mountain ranges : Alps, Pyrenees, Massif Central Major rivers : Seine, Rhine and Rhône

French flag

Map of france, france: geography and landscape.

The largest country in Western Europe, France has long been a gateway between the continent’s northern and southern regions. Its lengthy borders touch Germany and Belgium in the north, the Atlantic Ocean in the west, and the Pyrenees mountains and Spain in the south. It also borders the Mediterranean sea in the southeast, and the Alps , Switzerland and Italy in the east.

France has a very diverse landscape. There are beautiful beaches on the southeast coast, home to the French Riviera , and towering mountains in the south and east, where the snow-capped French Alps rise to the sky. Europe’s tallest peak, Monte Blanc , is found in the French Alps, standing at a massive 4,810m tall!

Wide, fertile plains dominate most of the north and west, making France the agricultural epicentre of Europe. The sprawling, forested plateau of the Massif Central – a range of ancient mountains and extinct volcanoes – occupies France”s southern interior.

France’s nature and wildlife

France has lots of land area to provide habitat for a wide variety of plants and animals. More than 25 percent of its territory is covered with forest, and another 50 percent is countryside or farmland.

Lowland forests are home to deer and wild boar, while the woodlands of the Alps and Pyrenees provide refuge for rare chamois antelope, ibex, brown bears and alpine hares, among many other species. The Mediterranean coastline is a stopover for millions of migrating African birds, too, including flamingos, vultures, egrets and bee-eaters.

The French government has made a broad commitment to preserving open spaces and the wildlife they contain. In fact, about ten percent of the country has been set aside as national or regional parklands and nature reserves.

The history of France

There is evidence that early relatives of humans first settled in France nearly two million years ago. By 300,000 B.C., Neanderthals arose there, and by 40,000 B.C., Cro-Magnons had arrived.

Over time, Celtic tribes from central Europe moved into the region, and when the Romans occupied the territory in the second century B.C., they named it Gaul . Julius Caesar established full Roman control over Gaul in 51 B.C., but by 400 A.D. Rome was in decline. Gaul was attacked by neighbouring tribes, including Visigoths, Vandals and the Germanic Franks, from which France would eventually get its name. In 843 a treaty created the territory of West Francia , which would later become France.

Over the next thousand years, West Francia was ruled by a series of powerful kings. Several wars were fought over who would rule France, including the Hundred Years War , from 1337 to 1453. In 1789, a violent period of change called the French Revolution began, eventually ending in the overthrow of the monarchy.

Napoleon Bonaparte , a general during the French Revolution , declared himself leader of France in 1799. He began a campaign of wars with neighbouring countries, and built a large French empire that ruled over much of continental Europe. But France’s domination in Europe came to an end in 1815, when Napoleon was defeated at the Battle of Waterloo .

France later suffered great losses in both World War I and World War II . It has since emerged, though, as an important and prosperous world power.

France: people and culture

France is one of the oldest nations on Earth and the most ethnically diverse country in Europe. These deep and broad influences have made France a world leader throughout history in different aspects of culture, including cuisine, philosophy, music, art, film, fashion, literature and sport.

France: government and economy

Over the years, France has been through many political crises. Its current government is a combination of presidential and parliamentary systems. The president is elected by the people and is head of state. A prime minister, chosen by the president, works with the elected parliament to pass laws.

France is among the world’s largest economies. The country produces many items that other countries buy, including its most famous products – wine and cheese. Other exports include automobiles, electronics and clothing. Tourism is also a huge industry in France. More than 80 million people visit the country every year, more than any other country on Earth!

What did you make of our facts about France? Let us know by leaving a comment, below!

Credits map of france: national geographic maps. eiffel tower on a sunny day, paris: silvian tomescu, dreamstime. beach at the french rivieria: lucian milasan, dreamstime. arc de triomphe viewed from the champs-élysées, paris: giancarlo liguori, dreamstime. colourful flowers in the tuileries garden, paris: victorua, dreamstime. glass pyramid entrance to the louvre, paris: lsantilli, dreamstime. french alps and palace of versailles: getty images uk, leave a comment.

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Wow I never new geography was so fun

I would have liked more info on the weather, but over all, a very good job!

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theres alot of fact about france

Yas Queeeeennn

We should take action soon!!!

AMAZİNG! LOVE FROM TURKEY

Thanks for such good knowledge. Keep working hard .

these are amazing facts I got to learn so much.

I love Paris

Amazing Information

love the information

i love you guys and love franse too

So helpful for my project

I have to go there!!! { ; to amazing!

This helped me soooo much in my report!

So interesting

Im visiting France and these facts are cool!

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10 French People Physical Characteristics and Traits

Typical physical characteristics of French people include olive skin, darker features, definition in the nose and brow, and slightly larger eyes.

The French have a wide collection of stereotypes, including being hopeless romantics, very elegant, stuck up, and highly intelligent.

There are a number of rumors and myths about French people still floating around today, but remember that every individual has their own personality and freewill, so don’t judge a French person based on the cultural stereotypes of their country.

Physical Characteristics of French People

There area number of interesting traits about French people, but it’s important to draw a distinction in the ethnic makeup of France.Due to centuries of immigration, you’ll see a multiethnic nation with people from all over the world.

1. Olive Skin (Southern France)

The first characteristic native to the Francophone people of South France is that gorgeous sun-kissed skin that looks more like the tone you’d find in the Mediterranean.

This is a tribute to the blend of African, Central Asian, and Middle Eastern who settled in early France and were referred to as the Francophone people.

Related Article: 10 Basque People Physical Characteristics & Character Traits

2. Dark and Glossy Hair

Another common trait of South France people is darker, curlier hair. Again, this is a blend of the cultural influences that have made up France over the years.

In contrast, the French look you’ll see further north reflects European influence, with lighter blond and softer colored hair making up a significant portion of the population.

Related Article: 10 Russian People Physical Characteristics And Traits

3. Curly Hair

Not only is French hair typically darker in color if you’re referring to the culture of the Francophone people, but it tends to be more on the curly side.

French people from the north generally tend to have lighter colored hair that is straight and thin, while French women from the south generally have voluminous and curly hair.

4. Hazel Eyes

Of course, you can expect to see every eye color under the sun in any country, but France has a wider range of colors due to its ethnic diversity.

First, people with more Nordic facial features are likely to have shades of blue, green, and hazel eyes. 22% of French people have blue eyes, with the rest having either brown or a blend of colors.

Related Article: 10 Celtic People Physical Characteristics And Traits

5. Shorter Stature

While there are outliers in every case, the French people generally have a shorter stature than some of their European neighbors, although it’s important to note that Portugal, Italy, and Turkey all have shorter men than France does.

This stereotype, while not entirely inaccurate, probably stems from the depiction of one of France’s most famous figures, Napoleon Bonaparte, being described as short.

His height was incorrectly labeled on his death certificate, and he was actually 5’6”, an average height for a man of that time.

Stereotypical Character Traits of French People

1. hopelessly romantic.

French has been described as the language of love, and that image of the romance of Paris carries over to the people as well.

French people are often seen as being hopelessly romantic, largely due to its reputation of being the country of writing and poetry. This cliché is also tied to the image of Paris and is exemplified in a number of movies that play into the stereotype.

A similar interpretation of French people, largely inspired by their bold fashions and emphasis on style.

French people are, according to the stereotype, polite, charming, and very stylish. They take pride in their appearance, and their interiors, manner of speech, and interpersonal communication all reflect a softer, civilized-sounded tone.

Some of this reputation has been compounded by the distinction of French being an elegant language and having an extremely strong association with fashion with la Parisienne.

3. Stuck Up

One negative interpretation of the French people is that they are somewhat stuck up and icy towards outsiders.

This interpretation likely stems from the prior perception of French people being elegant and stylish. As a result, people often worry that French people will be dismissive towards other cultures and outsiders.

French people value their space and privacy, as well as being very abrupt in speech, a trait which can often be mistaken for standoffishness or disinterest.

This gives them a reputation of being arrogant, but it’s important to note that sophistication in a culture and pride in one’s country does not make someone arrogant by nature.

4. Intelligent and Scholarly

Another common stereotype of French people that has been established for several centuries is that French people are all scholarly and intelligent.

This reputation comes from the period of time when Paris was a center of education in Europe.

Over the centuries, France would become the heart of the Enlightenment, a period with many great thinkers like Voltaire, Rousseau, and Montesquieu.

This stereotype, as a whole, is not a bad one, and it’s no secret that France has some wonderfully intelligent and creative people, with the country holding the record for the greatest number of literature Nobel prizes.

At any rate, it’s certainly true that philosophy and literature are significant parts of French culture.

5. Very Proud

Whether it’s pride in their country or pride in personal achievements, French people generally have a reputation for being prideful—almost to the point of arrogance—about their country.

Historically, France has been through a long and bloody struggle for democracy, so it’s no wonder that the simple, yet elegant expression Vive La France exemplifies French patriotism.

It’s certainly no sin that the French value the interests, achievements, and pride of their own country over others, and that attitude often manifests as patriotic behavior.

France incorporates a very culturally diverse, rich group of people that are known for a lot of things.

Their physical traits vary greatly based on region, but it’s fair to say that the olive-skinned, dark-haired people of the south are a truer reflection of France’s historical origins. Whether you’re a student of history or just planning a vacation to France, it’s always good to recognize what drives and perpetuates the stereotypes surrounding French people.

Chris Drew (PhD)

Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]

• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 5 Top Tips for Succeeding at University
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• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 100 Consumer Goods Examples
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 30 Globalization Pros and Cons

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ENCYCLOPEDIC ENTRY

Europe: human geography.

Europe has a long history of human development and is considered the birthplace of Western Civilization.

Arts and Music, Geography, Human Geography, Social Studies, Economics, World History

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Europe is the second-smallest continent . The name Europe , or Europa , is believed to be of Greek origin, as it is the name of a princess in Greek mythology . The name Europe may also come from combining the Greek roots eur - (wide) and - op (seeing) to form the phrase “wide-gazing.” Europe is often described as a “ peninsula of peninsulas .” A peninsula is a piece of land surrounded by water on three sides. Europe is a peninsula of the Eurasian super continent and is bordered by the Arctic Ocean to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the west, and the Mediterranean, Black, and Caspian seas to the south. Europe ’s main peninsulas are the Iberian, Italian, and Balkan, located in southern Europe , and the Scandinavian and Jutland, located in northern Europe . The link between these peninsulas has made Europe a dominant economic , social, and cultural force throughout recorded history. Europe ’s physical geography , environment and resources , and human geography can be considered separately. Today, Europe is home to the citizens of Albania, Andorra, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Kosovo, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland), and Vatican City. Cultural Geography Europe has a long history of human development and is considered the birthplace of Western Civilization . Today, this cultural wealth is used to solidify the European Community and is exported to the rest of the world as one of the continent ’s greatest global assets. Historic Cultures Indigenous cultures shaped, and were shaped by, the varied geography of Europe . Physical features, weather -related phenomena , and local resources had a deep impact on how historic European cultures prospered , interacted, and believed their world worked. The geography and climate of the Mediterranean region, for example, directly influenced Greek mythology . Most Greek gods and goddesses are representations of the active physical elements that made up the local landscape. The volcanoes of Lemnos, an island in the Mediterranean, and Mount Etna, on the island of Sicily, were believed to be the forges of Hephaestus, the Greek god of fire. Ancient Greeks also believed reigning gods imprisoned lesser gods underneath the volcanoes. A volcano’s violent nature thus came from the work of Hephaestus and the anger of the imprisoned gods. The ancient Greeks’ connection to the sea also deeply influenced their mythological beliefs. Greece’s many earthquakes, and the tsunamis they caused, were connected to the sea god Poseidon, known as the “Earth Shaker.” Cults and temples centered on Poseidon were built throughout the Aegean and Mediterranean seas as a means of appeasing the god. As maritime trade and exploration developed in the region, winds and currents connected to Poseidon became important in Greek mythology . The gods could both reward and punish travelers and traders with favorable or unfavorable sea conditions. This is a main theme of The Odyssey , an epic poem written by Homer, in which these key elements of the sea both help and hurt the hero. Other cultures developed around the unique resources at their disposal. The Sami culture of Scandinavia , for example, was deeply connected to the indigenous reindeer herds of the Arctic. The Sami followed and cared for these herds during their grazing cycle. During the harsh winter, the Sami ate all parts of the animal. They created clothing and tents out of reindeer hides , sewing together the cloth with twine made from the animal’s tendons . Keeping track of herds and individual animals became increasingly important in Sami life. In order to distinguish herds, families and communities developed a pattern of cuts and notches on the animals’ ears. Reindeer were also the Sami’s main method of transporting goods during their nomadic journeys. These journeys varied in length, depending on the migration patterns of specific reindeer herds. Some reindeer herds have a home range of up to 5,000 square kilometers (1,930 square miles).

Reindeer herding is still an important aspect of Sami culture, which continues to thrive in northern Scandinavia and Russia’s Kola Peninsula . Distinct physical features had a lasting impact on how European cultures communicated with each other. With its central European location but geographic remoteness, the Alps region developed into a unique crossroads for Europe ’s dominant languages, and a refuge for its archaic languages. This linguistic diversity is present in the Alpine regions of many contemporary European countries today. Switzerland, for example, has four official languages: German, French, Italian, and Romansch. During the Middle Ages , dominant European powers conquered the strategically important mountain territory of the Alps. Around 400 CE, the Alemanni, a Germanic tribe, invaded present-day northern Switzerland. Today, this is the German-speaking region of the country. Around this same time, Roman conquerors took over present-day southern Switzerland. Latin , the language of Rome, evolved into French in the western region, and Italian in the south. Because of their remoteness, however, all these regions have distinct dialects that differ slightly from their parent language. Swiss-Italian is distinguishable from Italian. Romansch, an endangered language, is also derived from Latin . Fewer than a million people are fluent in Romansch. The language survives in Switzerland because of the remote location of its native speakers. Contemporary Cultures Europe ’s rich and diverse cultural heritage continues to flourish today. With such a large number of nationalities compacted into such a small area, Europe strongly supports individual cultural identities and products. The European Capitals of Culture program, started in 1985, has become one of Europe ’s most important and high-profile cultural events. The goals of the program are local, regional, and global. The program highlights Europe ’s rich cultural diversity, celebrates its cultural ties, and brings people of different European backgrounds together. The program has provided a lasting economic boost to cities and regions, raised their international profiles, and enhanced their images in the eyes of their own inhabitants. Each year, two or three cities are chosen to produce a year-long program of cultural events. This program must not only highlight the city’s unique cultural heritage, but also feature new events that unite a range of cultural practices from across Europe . All of the events must come together under a common theme or themes. One Capital of Culture of 2011, Turku, Finland, focused on culture’s positive influence on health and well-being. Many of its events encouraged community involvement and civic engagement . Projects are meant to stay a part of the city after 2011—some pieces of sculpture may be used for athletics, for instance. Turku officials hope to inspire other European countries to undertake similar projects. Europe also strengthens ties between its diverse peoples and cultures by supporting multilingual education. The European Union has 23 official languages, and the continent has more than 60 indigenous languages. Flourishing immigrant communities are bringing in new languages to the continent , including Arabic, Hindi, and Mandarin. A 2006 European study showed that 53 percent of respondents could speak a second language, while 28 percent could speak two fo reign languages. The study also showed that only 8 percent of respondents considered language-learning unimportant. The European Union has adopted a multilingual language policy with the goal that everyone should be able to speak at least two languages in addition to their own. By supporting this policy, the European Union hopes it will strengthen social, educational, professional, and economic ties in Europe and make the continent more competitive in global markets. Europe ’s cultural products also help unify the region. Certain countries and regions have even developed an identity or “branding” focused on specific products and exports. Scandinavian design, for instance, is primarily focused on fashion and home wares. It is characterized by simple, minimalist design and low-cost mass production. Important Scandinavian companies focused on designed products include Electrolux, which makes home electronics , and Ikea and H&M, famous around the world for inexpensive but well-designed home furnishings and clothing, respectively.

Italian fashion is also an important cultural export. The city of Milan is regarded as a major fashion capital, hosting an international fashion week twice a year. The city is home to the headquarters of luxury brands such as Valentino, Gucci, Versace, and Prada. Milan is also home to important European fashion magazines, such as Grazia , Vogue Italia , and Vera . German automotive design has a global reputation for excellence and prestige . Automobile companies such as BMW, Mercedes, and Audi are known throughout the world for creating cars with dynamic designs and an engaging driving experience. The country is also home to a number of outstanding schools for automotive design, such as the Hochschule Esslingen and Hochschule Pforzheim. Political Geography Europe ’s long history and economic progress have been shaped by its political geography . Political geography is the internal and external relationships between governments , citizens, and territories. Early Europeans , in fact, shaped global ideas of citizenship and government . These ideas have been tested during times of peace and military conflict, and continue to be redefined today. Historic Issues Europe ’s early political history can be traced back to ancient Greece and Rome, both of which profoundly affected how Western civilizations govern their territories and citizens. Described as the birthplace of democracy , ancient Greece revolved around the polis , or city-state. City-states were unique in that they were governed not by a hereditary ruler, but by a political body that represented its citizens. This idea of citizenship—of being connected to and having a voice in your community—became the basic building block of democracy . The word “ democracy ” has Greek roots: demos -, meaning “people,” and - kratos , meaning “power.” Prominent Greek philosophers , such as Socrates and Plato, discussed democratic ideals in their writings. Philosophers and politicians have used these writings to uphold and defend the democratic tradition ever since. Roman civilization had a major influence on Western concepts of law, government , and the military. At its largest, Rome controlled approximately 6.5 million square kilometers (2.5 million square miles) of land. The Roman approach to conquering and controlling territory is often considered to be the basis of Western imperialism . Imperialism is a policy of extending a nation’s power and influence through diplomacy or military force. Imperialism is a policy that has been used throughout history, most notably by European powers and the United States. Other political institutions of Rome persist throughout Europe and former European colonies. Some of these concepts include the idea of an elected Senate and the stationing of military troops outside a country’s home region. World War I and World War II dramatically affected the political geography of Europe . World War I (1914-1918) left about 16 million people dead. The Central Powers (led by the German Empire, the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and the Ottoman Empire) fell to the forces of the Allied Powers (led by the United Kingdom, France, and the Russian Empire). By the end of the war, the Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman empires collapsed and broke into a dozen separate nations. Borders between existing nations, such as Poland and Russia, were entirely redrawn. World War II (1939-1945) left about 43 million Europeans dead, including about 6 million who died in the Holocaust . The Holocaust was the mass murder of Jews under the Nazi regime. World War II also left more than 40 million refugees , contributed to the independence of European colonies throughout the world, and devastated the urban infrastructure of many European cities. As a result of the devastation of World War II, Western Europe ’s leadership in global politics diminished. The United States began to lead the Western world, while the Soviet Union , with its capital in the Eastern European city of Moscow, Russia, led the so-called Eastern Bloc. The relationship between the United States, with a free-market economy , and the Soviet Union , with a communist economy , was known as the Cold War. The “Iron Curtain” represents Europe ’s political geography during the Cold War. The Iron Curtain was an ideological boundary that divided Europe into two blocs—Western countries influenced by the United States, and Eastern countries influenced by the Soviet Union . International economic and military organizations developed on either side of the Iron Curtain. The United States and the Soviet Union built up huge nuclear arsenals , with many missiles aimed at targets throughout Europe .

The Iron Curtain took on the physical shape of border defenses, walls, and limited diplomacy . The nation of Germany was divided in two. In fact, the most famous symbol of the Iron Curtain was the Berlin Wall , which divided the East German city of Berlin into western and eastern-controlled parts. The economic and political demise of the Soviet Union led to the end of the Iron Curtain in the late 1980s. During this time, a number of anti-communist revolutions swept central and eastern Europe . These revolutions eventually lead to the end of the Cold War, symbolized by the falling of the Berlin Wall in 1989. Contemporary Issues Europe is now broadly defined in the context of the European Union (EU), an economic and political body officially created by the Maastricht Treaty in 1993. The EU works to create a unified structure for social, environmental , military, and economic policies of its member states. Today, the European Union is composed of 27 member states, with new members mainly coming from central and eastern Europe . The financial and diplomatic success of the EU has led to its rapid growth across the continent . The euro is one of the strongest currencies in the world. The euro is the second-most popular currency (behind the American dollar) and is used daily by more than 320 million people. Nations that use the euro as a unit of currency are called the “ eurozone .” Leadership of the EU, split among different branches and institutions, is a working model of international cooperation. The EU accepts few candidates: member states must maintain a stable, democratic form of government , a free-market economy , and commitment to the rule of law. The rapid growth of the European Union , however, has caused a number of administrative and political tensions. Critics believe the process of attaining EU membership is too difficult for Europe ’s developing economies. Strict EU regulations place a heavy burden on developing countries to compete with their more developed neighbors. The global financial crisis , which began around 2008, has caused these tensions to elevate dramatically. The financial crisis is defined by debt and high unemployment . The European Union created a $957 billion “rescue package” for the EU economy, primarily for countries that had unsustainable debt rates. These countries included Greece, Ireland, Spain, and Portugal. This rescue package has caused tensions to rise between economically competitive countries and the in debted countries that they are helping to rescue. In debted countries must now deal with strict budgets and declining incomes while more financially stable countries are forcing taxpayers to help fund the financial rescue. The status of immigrants is also a source of tension and debate in Europe . Historically, Europe has been a center of immigration. The European Union has established the Schengen Area—a zone where Europeans can travel from country to country without having to show their passports. The financial crisis , along with concerns about immigrants ’ connections to terrorism and religious extremism, has caused Europe to develop a more guarded approach to immigration. Some critics argue these attitudes are xenophobic. Xenophobia is an intense dislike or fear of people from other places or cultures. Two events demonstrate this debate. In 2005, the Danish newspaper Jyllands-Posten published 12 cartoons featuring Islamic subjects. The political cartoons sought to engage in the debate surrounding Muslim extremism. Many Muslim organizations, however, saw the cartoons as bigoted , racist, and insulting. Protests developed across the Muslim world, and demonstrators set fire to Danish embassies in Lebanon, Iran, and Syria. These events had a devastating effect on Denmark’s reputation as a progressive and welcoming country. The debate surrounding the cartoons also intensified strained relations between the Islamic world and the West. In 2010, the French government dismantled illegal immigrant camps throughout France. These camps were mostly populated by Roma, also called Gypsies. Roma are a people and culture native to central and eastern Europe . In the face of an economic crisis, EU citizens of poorer member countries, such as the Roma of Bulgaria and Romania, often migrate to more developed EU countries in search of work. Developed countries, however, are also facing economic challenges. These nations do not feel an obligation to accept illegal immigrants , seeing them as both a threat and a burden. Supporters of the crackdown want to stop illegal immigration. Critics argue the move was racist. Future Issues An important predictor of Europe ’s political and economic future is its efforts to minimize the effects of climate change . Europe is often seen as a world leader in environmentally friendly technologies and legislation . The 2009 United Nations Climate Change Conference was held in Copenhagen, Denmark. As part of an international agreement signed at the conference, all 27 member states of the European Union agreed to reduce carbon emissions by 20 percent by 2020 (from 1990 levels). The EU also notified the UN of a “conditional offer to increase this cut to 30 percent, provided that other major emitters agree to take on their fair share of a global reduction effort.” This conditional offer illustrates the tension that was present at the conference between developed countries’ high carbon emissions and developing countries’ low or rising carbon use. In fact, many developing nations argued that the Copenhagen Accord was drafted by a small group of powerful countries and unfairly disadvantages poorer countries, many of which are expected to suffer the worst effects of climate change . The ageing of Europe ’s population is also expected to dramatically affect the continent ’s social, political, and financial future. The overall population of Europe is set to drop from roughly 590 million to 542 million by 2050. The proportion of people older than 65 will grow from 16 percent to 28 percent. These projected changes will have two major effects: There will be a smaller work force to create a dynamic and industrious economy, and governments and citizens will have to care for more elderly people. These changes will affect different regions of Europe in different ways. A study completed by the Berlin Institute for Population and Development found that Scandinavia , the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, western Germany, Switzerland, Slovenia, Austria, and France have the best prospects of supporting vibrant and economically successful societies. Many of the most socially and economically powerful elements of these societies will be led by immigrants . Developing countries, such as those in eastern and southern Europe , are expected to bear the worst of the depopulation trend. Among the struggling economies that may suffer from carbon emission limits are Romania, Bulgaria, and Moldova. Thus, it seems that Europe ’s historic disparities between north and south, west and east, will continue to widen in the future. Enacting regional social policies and economic legislation , especially through bodies like the European Union , may help curb that trend.

Population Density 188 people per square kilometer

Highest Elevation Mount Elbrus, Russia (5,642 meters/18,510 feet)

Most Renewable Electricity Produced Iceland (99.9%: hydropower, geothermal)

Largest Urban Area Moscow, Russia (16.2 million people)

Largest Watershed Volga River (1.38 million square km/532,821 square miles)

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Related Resources

Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History Essays

Nineteenth-century french realism.

Young Communards in Prison (Les Fédérés à la Conciergerie)

Gustave Courbet

The Past, the Present, and the Future (Le passé – Le présent – L'Avenir), published in La Caricature, no. 166, Jan. 9, 1834

Honoré Daumier

Le ventre législatif: Aspect des bancs ministériels de la chambre improstituée de 1834

Rue Transnonain, le 15 Avril, 1834, Plate 24 of l'Association mensuelle

Retreat from the Storm

Jean-François Millet

The Horse Fair

Rosa Bonheur

Young Ladies of the Village

Sheepshearing Beneath a Tree

Woman with a Rake

The Third-Class Carriage

The Witnesses - The War Council

First Steps, after Millet

Vincent van Gogh

Ross Finocchio Department of European Paintings, The Metropolitan Museum of Art

October 2004

The Realist movement in French art flourished from about 1840 until the late nineteenth century, and sought to convey a truthful and objective vision of contemporary life. Realism emerged in the aftermath of the Revolution of 1848 that overturned the monarchy of Louis-Philippe and developed during the period of the Second Empire under Napoleon III. As French society fought for democratic reform, the Realists democratized art by depicting modern subjects drawn from the everyday lives of the working class. Rejecting the idealized classicism of academic art and the exotic themes of Romanticism , Realism was based on direct observation of the modern world. In keeping with Gustave Courbet’s  statement in 1861 that “painting is an essentially concrete art and can only consist in the representation of real and existing things,” Realists recorded in often gritty detail the present-day existence of humble people, paralleling related trends in the naturalist literature of Émile Zola, Honoré de Balzac, and Gustave Flaubert. The elevation of the working class into the realms of high art and literature coincided with Pierre Proudhon’s socialist philosophies and Karl Marx’s Communist Manifesto , published in 1848, which urged a proletarian uprising.

Courbet (1819–1877) established himself as the leading proponent of Realism by challenging the primacy of history painting, long favored at the official Salons and the École des Beaux-Arts, the state-sponsored art academy. The groundbreaking works that Courbet exhibited at the Paris Salons of 1849 and 1850–51—notably A Burial at Ornans (Musée d’Orsay, Paris) and The Stonebreakers (destroyed)—portrayed ordinary people from the artist’s native region on the monumental scale formerly reserved for the elevating themes of history painting. At the time, Courbet’s choice of contemporary subject matter and his flouting of artistic convention was interpreted by some as an anti-authoritarian political threat. Proudhon, in fact, read The Stonebreakers as an “irony directed against our industrialized civilization … which is incapable of freeing man from the heaviest, most difficult, most unpleasant tasks, the eternal lot of the poor.” To achieve an honest and straightforward depiction of rural life, Courbet eschewed the idealized academic technique and employed a deliberately simple style, rooted in popular imagery, which seemed crude to many critics of the day. His Young Ladies of the Village ( 40.175 ), exhibited at the Salon of 1852, violates conventional rules of scale and perspective and challenges traditional class distinctions by underlining the close connections between the young women (the artist’s sisters), who represent the emerging rural middle class, and the poor cowherd who accepts their charity.

When two of Courbet’s major works ( A Burial at Ornans and The Painter’s Studio ) were rejected by the jury of the 1855 Exposition Universelle in Paris, he withdrew his eleven accepted submissions and displayed his paintings privately in his Pavillon du Réalisme, not far from the official international exhibition. For the introduction to the catalogue of this independent, one-man show, Courbet wrote a Realist manifesto, echoing the tone of the period’s political manifestos, in which he asserts his goal as an artist “to translate the customs, the ideas, the appearance of my epoch according to my own estimation.” In his autobiographical Painter’s Studio (Musée d’Orsay), Courbet is surrounded by groups of his friends, patrons, and even his models, documenting his artistic and political experiences since the Revolution of 1848.

During the same period, Jean-François Millet (1814–1875) executed scenes of rural life that monumentalize peasants at work, such as Sheep Shearing Beneath a Tree ( 40.12.3 ). While a large portion of the French population was migrating from rural areas to the industrialized cities, Millet left Paris in 1849 and settled in Barbizon , where he lived the rest of his life, close to the rustic subjects he painted throughout his career. The Gleaners (Musée d’Orsay, Paris), exhibited at the Salon of 1857, created a scandal because of its honest depiction of rural poverty. The bent postures of Millet’s gleaners, as well as his heavy application of paint, emphasize the physical hardship of their task. Like Courbet’s portrayal of stonebreakers, Millet’s choice of subject was considered politically subversive, even though his style was more conservative than that of Courbet, reflecting his academic training. Millet endows his subjects with a sculptural presence that recalls the art of Michelangelo and Nicolas Poussin , as seen in his Woman with a Rake ( 38.75 ). His tendency to generalize his figures gives many of his works a sentimental quality that distinguishes them from Courbet’s unidealized paintings. Vincent van Gogh greatly admired Millet and made copies of his compositions, including First Steps, after Millet ( 64.165.2 ).

The socially conscious art of Honoré Daumier (1808–1879) offers an urban counterpart to that of Millet. Daumier highlighted socioeconomic distinctions in the newly modernized urban environment in a group of paintings executed around 1864 that illustrate the experience of modern rail travel in first-, second-, and third-class train compartments. In The First-Class Carriage (Walters Art Museum, Baltimore), there is almost no physical or psychological contact among the four well-dressed figures, whereas The Third-Class Carriage ( 29.100.129 ) is tightly packed with an anonymous crowd of working-class men and women. In the foreground, Daumier isolates three generations of an apparently fatherless family, conveying the hardship of their daily existence through the weary poses of the young mother and sleeping boy. Though clearly of humble means, their postures, clothing, and facial features are rendered in as much detail as those of the first-class travelers.

Best known as a lithographer , Daumier produced thousands of graphic works for journals such as La Caricature and Le Charivari , satirizing government officials and the manners of the bourgeoisie. As early as 1832, Daumier was imprisoned for an image of Louis-Philippe as Rabelais’ Gargantua, seated on a commode and expelling public honors to his supporters. Daumier parodied the king again in 1834 with his caricature The Past, the Present, and the Future ( 41.16.1 ), in which the increasingly sour expressions on the three faces of Louis-Philippe suggest the failures of his regime. In the same year, Daumier published Rue Transnonain, April 15, 1834 , in the journal Association Mensuelle ( 20.23 ). Though Daumier did not witness the event portrayed—the violent suppression of a workers’ demonstration—the work is unsparing in its grim depiction of death and government brutality; Louis-Philippe ordered the destruction of all circulating prints immediately after its publication.

As a result of Courbet’s political activism during the Paris Commune of 1871, he too was jailed. Incarcerated at Versailles before serving a six-month prison sentence for participation in the destruction of the Vendôme Column, Courbet documented his observations of the conditions under which children were held in his drawing Young Communards in Prison ( 1999.251 ), published in the magazine L’Autograph , one of a small number of works inspired by his experiences following the fall of the Commune.

Like Millet, Rosa Bonheur (1822–1899) favored rural imagery and developed an idealizing style derived from the art of the past. Similar in scale to Courbet’s works of the same period, Bonheur’s imposing Horse Fair ( 87.25 ), shown at the Salon of 1853, is the product of extensive preparatory drawings and the artist’s scientific study of animal anatomy; her style also reflects the influence of such Romantic painters as Delacroix and Gericault and the classical equine sculpture from the Parthenon. Édouard Manet and the Impressionists were the immediate heirs to the Realist legacy, as they too embraced the imagery of modern life. By the 1870s and 1880s, however, their art no longer carried the political charge of Realism.

Finocchio, Ross. “Nineteenth-Century French Realism.” In Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History . New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2000–. http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/rlsm/hd_rlsm.htm (October 2004)

Further Reading

Nochlin, Linda. Realism . Harmondsworth: Penguin, 1971.

Nochlin, Linda. Realism and Tradition in Art, 1848–1900: Sources and Documents . Englewood Cliffs, N.J.: Prentice-Hall, 1966.

Tinterow, Gary. Introduction to Modern Europe / The Metropolitan Museum of Art . New York: Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1987. See on MetPublications

Additional Essays by Ross Finocchio

• Finocchio, Ross. “ Fra Angelico (ca. 1395–1455) .” (October 2006)
• Finocchio, Ross. “ Mannerism: Bronzino (1503–1572) and his Contemporaries .” (October 2003)

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Artist or Maker

• Bonheur, Rosa
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Online Features

• The Artist Project: “Swoon on Honoré Daumier’s The Third-Class Carriage “
• The Artist Project: “Wayne Thiebaud on Rosa Bonheur’s The Horse Fair “
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The Smithsonian Institution's Human Origins Program

Human characteristics: what does it mean to be human.

Part of what it means to be human is how we became human. Over a long period of time, as early humans adapted to a changing world, they evolved certain characteristics that help define our species today.

This section of our website focuses on several human characteristics that evolved over the past 6 million years. As you explore the scientific evidence for these characteristics, you will discover that these traits did not emerge all at once or in any one species. There were important milestones along the way. For example, early humans began walking upright before they began making tools. A rapid increase in brain size occurred before early humans began using symbols to communicate. And all of these traits emerged before humans began domesticating plants and animals.

• Walking Upright

The earliest humans climbed trees and walked on the ground. This flexibility helped them get around in diverse habitats and cope with changing climates.

• Tools & Food

Early humans butchered large animals at least 2.6 million years ago. By at least 500,000 years ago, early humans made wooden spears and used them to kill large animals.

As early humans spread to different environments, they evolved body shapes that helped them survive in hot and cold climates. Changing diets also led to changes in body shape.

As early humans faced new environmental challenges and evolved bigger bodies, they evolved larger and more complex brains.

• Social Life

Sharing food, caring for infants, and building social networks helped our ancestors meet the daily challenges of their environments.

• Language & Symbols

From pigments to printing presses, symbols changed the way humans lived and provided new ways to cope with an unpredictable world.

• Humans Change the World

Within just the past 12,000 years, our species, Homo sapiens , made the transition to producing food and changing our surroundings. We have been so successful that we have inadvertently created a turning point in the history of life on Earth.

• Climate Effects on Human Evolution
• Survival of the Adaptable
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• Evolution of Human Innovation
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• Footprints from Koobi Fora, Kenya
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• La Madeleine, Dordogne, France
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• Female torso in ivory
• Ivory Horse Figurine
• Ivory Horse Sculpture
• Lady of Brassempouy
• Lion-Man Figurine
• Willendorf Venus
• Ancient Shell Beads
• Carved Bone Disc
• Cro-Magnon Shell Bead Necklace
• Oldest Known Shell Beads
• Ancient Flute
• Ancient Pigments
• Apollo 11 Plaque
• Carved antler baton with horses
• Geometric incised bone rectangle
• Tata Plaque
• Mystery Skull Interactive
• Shanidar 3 - Neanderthal Skeleton
• Bison Figurine
• Carved Horse-Head Bead
• Carved Ivory Mammoth
• Cuneiform Clay Tablet
• Fired Clay Bison
• Fired Clay Venus from Dolni Vestonice
• Lespugue Venus
• One Species, Living Worldwide
• Human Skin Color Variation
• Ancient DNA and Neanderthals
• Human Family Tree
• Swartkrans, South Africa
• Shanidar, Iraq
• Introduction to Human Evolution
• Nuts and bolts classification: Arbitrary or not? (Grades 6-8)
• Comparison of Human and Chimp Chromosomes (Grades 9-12)
• Hominid Cranial Comparison: The "Skulls" Lab (Grades 9-12)
• Investigating Common Descent: Formulating Explanations and Models (Grades 9-12)
• Fossil and Migration Patterns in Early Hominids (Grades 9-12)
• For College Students
• Why do we get goose bumps?
• Chickens, chimpanzees, and you - what do they have in common?
• Grandparents are unique to humans
• How strong are we?
• Humans are handy!
• Humans: the running ape
• Our big hungry brain!
• Our eyes say it!
• The early human tool kit
• The short-haired human!
• The “Nutcracker”
• What can lice tell us about human evolution?
• What does gut got to do with it?
• Why do paleoanthropologists love Lucy?
• Why do we have wisdom teeth?
• Human Origins Glossary
• Teaching Evolution through Human Examples
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Recommended Books
• Exhibit Floorplan Interactive
• Print Floorplan PDF
• Reconstructions of Early Humans
• Chesterfield County Public Library
• Orange County Library
• Andover Public Library
• Ephrata Public Library
• Oelwein Public Library
• Cedar City Public Library
• Milpitas Library
• Spokane County Library
• Cottage Grove Public Library
• Pueblo City-County Library
• Springfield-Greene County Library
• Peoria Public Library
• Orion Township Public Library
• Skokie Public Library
• Wyckoff Free Public Library
• Tompkins County Public Library
• Otis Library
• Fletcher Free Library
• Bangor Public Library
• Human Origins Do it Yourself Exhibit
• Exhibit Field Trip Guide
• Acknowledgments
• Human Origins Program Team
• Connie Bertka
• Betty Holley
• Nancy Howell
• Lee Meadows
• Jamie L. Jensen
• David Orenstein
• Michael Tenneson
• Leonisa Ardizzone
• David Haberman
• Fred Edwords (Emeritus)
• Elliot Dorff (Emeritus)
• Francisca Cho (Emeritus)
• Peter F. Ryan (Emeritus)
• Mustansir Mir (Emeritus)
• Randy Isaac (Emeritus)
• Mary Evelyn Tucker (Emeritus)
• Wentzel van Huyssteen (Emeritus)
• Joe Watkins (Emeritus)
• Tom Weinandy (Emeritus)
• Members Thoughts on Science, Religion & Human Origins (video)
• Science, Religion, Evolution and Creationism: Primer
• The Evolution of Religious Belief: Seeking Deep Evolutionary Roots
• Laboring for Science, Laboring for Souls:  Obstacles and Approaches to Teaching and Learning Evolution in the Southeastern United States
• Public Event : Religious Audiences and the Topic of Evolution: Lessons from the Classroom (video)
• Evolution and the Anthropocene: Science, Religion, and the Human Future
• Imagining the Human Future: Ethics for the Anthropocene
• Human Evolution and Religion: Questions and Conversations from the Hall of Human Origins
• I Came from Where? Approaching the Science of Human Origins from Religious Perspectives
• Religious Perspectives on the Science of Human Origins
• Submit Your Response to "What Does It Mean To Be Human?"
• Volunteer Opportunities
• Submit Question
• "Shaping Humanity: How Science, Art, and Imagination Help Us Understand Our Origins" (book by John Gurche)
• What Does It Mean To Be Human? (book by Richard Potts and Chris Sloan)
• Bronze Statues
• Reconstructed Faces