Race and Gender Issues in Literatures in French

Catalog description

A critical presentation, taught in French, of changing ideas and values on race and gender in French and Francophone literatures. FR 470 Race and Gender Issues in Literature in French (3) (IL)(BA) This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements. In addition to presenting subject matter that fosters an appreciation of literatures written in French while exploring racial and gender-related aspects of French and Francophone cultures, this course aims at developing a sophisticated, analytical outlook on peoples of different races and cultures and on women as authors, subjects, and literary 'constrictions' evolving over time. It provides a sense of the historical development of these questions and the interconnectedness of literature with society, and culture. One example of the issues and selections is the vindication of women -including Middle Eastern and Biblical figures- in Christine de Pisan's City of the ladies, in the early 15th c.; it is shown to have links with the 1970 modernistic and satirical text by Monique Wittig, Les Guilrbres. Other examples can be the famed surrealist negritude poetry of Aim Csaire of Martinique, or a classic saga of European Jews by Andr Schwarz-Bart, or the humorous narrative of an African boy in contemporary Paris by Calixthe Beyala. Evaluation is based on a balance of in-class and take home exams and a final paper. Participation is expected, including electronic communication with the instructor. Attendance and participation are assigned a significant proportion of the grade (20%) as is feasible and desirable in small classes with fifteen students or less. The class is led in French, the language of most materials presented, and it is designed primarily for French majors and minors. The literature is supported and illustrated with video excerpts and films available outside class. Internet research is encouraged and expected. It is offered every three or four years, alternating with FR 471 (Francophone Women in Literature and Culture), or special topics courses and period-bound, advanced literature courses in French.