COL107 - Madame Bovary in Context

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Academic Year 2004/2005

Madame Bovary in Context
COL 107 FA

Gustave Flaubert's 1857 novel will be the centerpiece of this course as we explore different approaches to the study of a literary work, asking what new insights into the novel each new perspective helps us generate. We will begin with a patient reading of Madame Bovary, attending to its central themes, to Flaubert's famous style, and to the novel in different contexts. Taking our cue from Flaubert's statement, "Madame Bovary, c'est moi," we will explore the author's biography and other writings, including selections from his letters and journals. We will consider the problem of translation by comparing different English-language renditions of Madame Bovary. We will investigate the historical and political context of Flaubert's portrait of the petit bourgeoisie in the French countryside. We will conclude by considering the 20th century pilosopher Jean-Paul Satre's conflicted attitude towards Falubert's work. We will reconsider Flaubert's novel and prose style in the light of Satre's philosophy, and vice versa.

MAJOR READINGS

Gustave Flaubert, MADAME BOVARY
A course packet of supplementary materials.

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

Participants will be asked to write a 1-2 page reading response each week; from these responses, they will develop three longer (4-5 page) essays. Essays will be refined and improved through peer-editing sessions and in conference with the instructor.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

A reading knowledge of French would be helpful but is not required. This course is designed to emphasize student writing.

COURSE FORMAT: Seminar

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UGRD Credit: 1 Gen Ed Area Dept: HA COL Grading Mode: Student Option

Prerequisites: NONE

SECTION 01

Instructor(s): Taylor,Charlotte H.

Times: ..T.R.. 10:30AM-11:50AM; Location: BTFDC210;

Reserved Seats: (Total Limit: 18)

SR. major: X Jr. major: X

SR. non-major: X Jr. non-major: X SO: X FR: 18

Special Attributes:

Curricular Renewal: Speaking, Writing

FYI: FYI Seminar

Links to Web Resources For This Course.

Last Updated on MAR-21-2005