Masterpieces of French theater and cinema are discussed, as well as film criticism and politics of the French cinema industry. Lectures address literature forms and their principal exponents. A cross-disciplinary perspective is taken so as to examine literature as a product of its social and historical contexts. The course ends with the pre-romanticists. The development of the novel is considered.
Lectures end with the French Revolution.
During the fall semester, this course surveys French tradition in thought from the Middle Ages to the 18th century. Spring semester covers the Revolution to the present. Individual thinkers and their works are outlined. Fall semester studies the 17th and 18th centuries, spring semester, 19th and 20th centuries. During the spring semester topics include the Fourth Republic, analysis of political parties since 1958 and an outline of national administrative institutions.