Franco-American Exchanges

Catalog description

This course explores the complex, centuries long relationship between France and the United States while placing special emphasis on French literature, political thought and film. The political and cultural impact of this contentious, love-hate relationship which has played out since the very birth of the US will be closely examined. Students will read texts by and about key figures in the Franco-American relationship including Thomas Jefferson, the Marquis de Lafayette, Alexis de Tocqueville, Benjamin Franklin as well as French artists and film directors living in the U.S. such as Michel Gondry and Julie Delpy.