Spring 2004

FR 390L • EPISTOLARITY IN 18TH-C FRANCE

Course Description

Students will be introduced to major works of French literature centered on "epistolarity," such as epistolary novels, poetry in epistle format, real letters, and fictitious ones. Aside from close readings of the individual works -- how they relate to the Century, etc. -- central to our discussions will be the significance of The Letter and its exploitation by different authors, male and female. Via these forms, and genders, we will also cover some of the central ideas of the Enlightenment. Come, join the party! Bonjour!

Grading Policy

Depending on enrollment, 2 tests (30 and 35%), 1 exposé / paper (25%), 1 explication de texte (10%). Planned are excursions to rare books collections, exhibits (art, literature, culture), and possibly films.

Texts

Readings will be available on line (for downloading) and/or in a packet in an effort to control cost. Depending on availability, our texts would include: Guilleragues, Lettres [amoureuses] d'une religieuse portugaise Fontenelle, Lettres du chevalier d'Her*** Montesquieu, Lettres persanes Graffigny, Lettres d'une Péruvienne Pope, Heloise to Abelard Colardeau's interpretation of the same Rousseau, La Nouvelle Héloïse (excerpts) Laclos, Les Liaisons dangereuses Laclos and Riccoboni: correspondence centered on feminist issues concerning Laclos's novel Riccoboni, Lettres de mistress Fanni Butlerd Voltaire, selections from the correspondence, Lettres d'Amabed Correspondence between Diderot and Sophie Volland Etc.

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