Reading Literatures in French (210-0-20)
Topic
Marseille: The Cosmopolitan
Instructors
Maite Rebecca Noemie Marciano
Meeting Info
Kresge Centennial Hall 3-410: Tues, Thurs 9:30AM - 10:50AM
Overview of class
Marseille, one of the oldest ports in Europe, has attracted migrants, refugees, and foreigners, especially from the Jewish and black diaspora, over several centuries. It offered a home for writers in exile and a window onto France's former colonies. As a result, it often presents itself to the world as a cosmopolitan city, "une ville d'acceuil," but what makes a place hospitable and creates a sense of belonging? Has Marseille's cosmopolitanism evolved through time, and does this representation still hold today? Finally, what does the literary imaginary of Marseille reveal about French literature? This course will address these questions by examining (in)hospitality and cosmopolitanism in Marseille from the modern to the contemporary period. Looking across multiple literary genres, including poetry, prose, drama, memoirs, and travel logs, we will look at the role of Marseille in French and Francophone literature. We will examine what model works of literature of Marseille might offer to reimagine a more equitable and peaceful world and conceive of cultural diversity and forms of belonging beyond citizenships and nation building.
Registration Requirements
FRENCH 202-0, AP score of 5, or consent of instructor.
Learning Objectives
This course will focus on close reading and the development of critical writing skills. All lectures and readings will be in French.
Teaching Method
Short lectures, discussions.
Evaluation Method
Presentation, written assignments, and final project or paper.
Class Materials (Required)
Course materials (subject to change) include selected writings by Alexandre Dumas, Émile Zola, Albert Londres, Marcel Pagnol, Simone De Beauvoir, Albert Cohen, Jean Claude Izzo, Maylis de Kerangal, and Jacques Derrida.
Required:
Claude Mackay, Banjo Une histoire sans intrigue
Jean Malaquais, Planète sans vis
Class Notes
We might explore the collections on Marseille at the Northwestern library to create a digital humanities project together.
Class Attributes
Literature & Fine Arts Distro Area