Giants, Cannibals, and Critique (371-0-20)

Instructors

Cynthia Nazarian
847/491-8270
1860 S. Campus Drive, Crowe Hall #2-137

Meeting Info

Kresge Centennial Hall 2-425: Tues, Thurs 9:30AM - 10:50AM

Overview of class

How do fantastic figures and imagined places help us understand the real world? This focuses on early modern French and European literature and philosophy, exploring the ways in which the 16th century imagined its "others" and molded its ideals. How do satire and scepticism function as modes for social commentary within their historical and political contexts? How the "Renaissance" define itself against the religious, pedagogical, political, philosophical and literary norms of the past? Why did giants, cannibals, monsters and imaginary places play such a critical role in redefining society in this period of intense political and religious upheaval?

This course will be taught in English.

Class Materials (Required)

• Rabelais, Gargantua and Pantagruel. (Trans. M.A. Screech) New York: Penguin, 2006. ISBN: 9780140445503

• Montaigne, Essays. (Trans. M.A. Screech) New York: Penguin, 2004. ISBN: 9780140446043

Class Attributes

Advanced Expression
Literature and Arts Foundational Discipline
Literature & Fine Arts Distro Area

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Reserved for French Majors & Minors.