Reading Literatures in French (210-0-20)

Topic

Les Formes Du Mal

Instructors

Matthieu Dupas
847/491-2772
1860 S. Campus Drive, Crowe Hall #2-139

Meeting Info

Locy Hall 110: Tues, Thurs 2:00PM - 3:20PM

Overview of class

French literature has given form to a rich variety of "amorous discourses," articulated through genres and traditions such as courtly love, love as passion, gallantry, libertinage, and romantic love… Drawing on Michel Foucault's account of sexuality as a historical construct, this course approaches literature as an archive of cultural scripts that shape the expression and experience of intimate relationships. Through readings spanning the Middle Ages to the twentieth century, we will explore how these scripts emerged, evolved, and transformed the ways individuals understood gender, desire, and sexuality.

Learning Objectives

Advanced reading and writing in French
History of literary genres and cultural forms
Theory of gender and sexuality

Class Materials (Required)

Readings will be available through Canvas.

Class Materials (Suggested)

I suggest students to buy the first volume of Foucault's History of sexuality either in French or in English, depending on their comfort in reading in French:

Michel Foucault, Histoire de la sexualité, vol 1 : La Volonté de savoir (Paris : Gallimard, 1976)

Or

Michel Foucault, History of sexuality: An Introduction (New York: Vintage Books, 1990)

Class Notes

Conducted in French, the course emphasizes advanced skills in reading, discussion and academic writing.

Class Attributes

Literature and Arts Foundational Discipline
SoC Humanities and Fine Arts Distro

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Prerequisite: Students must have completed FRENCH 202-0 or a test score of 5 in AP French. Other students may register with instructor permission.