Spring 2008

FR 326K • INTRO FRENCH LITERATURE I: MIDDLE AGES TO 18TH CENTURY

Course Description

This course is taught in French and serves as an introduction to the reading and analysis of representative texts with attention to cultural and historical background.

This is not a standard survey of the history of French literature. Instead of comprehensive coverage of the literature of the period (the Middle Ages to the mid-eighteenth century), there will be an introduction to the writing of select major early writers. We will approach the study of literature in this period by genre, and therefore will repeatedly cross century boundaries. One major goal of this course is to lead you to enjoy reading literature. This goal is posited on the belief that the more skill you have as a reader, the more you enjoy reading.

Grading Policy

Hour exams (3): 30% Homework: 20% Papers (3): 30% [750 words; 750+ words; 1,000+ words] Class response: 20% FINAL EXAM: No

Texts

Course packets
Racine, Phêdre
Moliêre, le Misanthrope

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