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Academic Year 2005/2006

The Novel and Its Masks
FREN 260 SP

In the late fifties, the death of the novel seemed as imminent as the death of its author. However, the novel is not only still alive but also quite invigorated. The purpose of this course is to examine the major transformations of the novel in France in the twentieth century and the beginning of the new century. From Marcel Proust to Michel Houellebecq (the latest "romancier a scandale"), the authors of novels have sought to achieve various purposes. Narrative techniques have changed, new themes have appeared. Particular attention will be paid to the role of women writers, readers' response and the growing interplay between autobiography and fiction.

MAJOR READINGS

Tentative reading list:
Marcel Proust, DU COTE DE CHEZ SWANN
Andre Gide, LES FAUX-MONNAYEURS
Jean-Paul Sartre, LA NAUSEE
Alain Robbe-Grillet, LES GOMMES
Marguerite Duras, LE RAVISSEMENT DE LOL V. STEIN
Marcel Benabou, JETTE CE LIVRE AVANT QU'IL SOIT TROP TARD
Marie Redonnet, SPLENDID HOTEL
Michel Houellebecq, EXTENSION DU DOMAINE DE LA LUTTE

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

Students will write 2 short papers and a 6-8 page final paper. Students will also make a short presentation in class.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

This is an upper-level course intended for students who have completed two French courses numbered between 220 and 299, or who have studied abroad in a French-speaking country for at least a semester.

COURSE FORMAT: Seminar

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UGRD    Credit: 1    Gen Ed Area Dept: HA RLAN    Grading Mode: Graded   

Prerequisites: NONE Links to Web Resources For This Course.

Last Updated on MAR-30-2006

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