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Special Delivery: The French Epistolary Novel
FREN273 SP

Crosslistings: COL301

Before the eighteenth century, the first-person narrative was generally perceived of as self-indulgent, not to mention distasteful. Eighteenth-century readers, however, became fascinated with the looking glass of the first person, with the intimacy, immediacy, and confesional aspect of the "je" narrator. It comes as no surprise then that the eighteenth century was the golden age of the ROMAN EPISTOLAIRE, the novel composed entirely of letters. In this class we will read epistolary novels that vary wi dely in both form and content: from Madame de Graffigny's critique of European societ;y (Lettres d'une peruvienne), to Mme de Charriere's praise of female independence (Lettres de Mistriss Henley), to Lacios' portrait of aristocratic libertinage (Les liai sons dangereuses). We will also read two examples of the epistolary novel's stylistic counterpart, the roman-memoire.

MAJOR READINGS

Guilleragues, LETTRES PORTUGAISES
Montesquieu, LETTRES PERSANES
Madame de Graffigny, LETTRES D'UNE PERUVIENNE
Mme de Charriere, LETTRES DE MISTRISS HENLEY
Laclos, LES LIAISONS DANGEREUSES
Diderot, LA RELIGIEUSE
Prevost, MANON LESCAUT

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

Two papers during the term, class presentation, one final paper.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

FREN 273 is intended for students who have completed FREN 223 or FREN 224. Students who have not done so should consult with the professor before preregistering. Readings, written assignments and class discussions will be in French. Only COL students may take this course for credit. All others must take it for a letter grade.

Unless preregistered students attend the first class meeting or communicate directly with the instructor prior to the first class, they will be dropped from the class list. NOTE: Students must still submit a completed Drop/Add form to the Registrar's Office.

COURSE FORMAT: Lecture/Discussion

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

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

Prerequisites: FREN215

Last Updated on MAR-24-2000


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