Summer Language & Culture Program, Paris, France
SUMMER 2016 – Session 3 (July 20-August 12)
Course number and name: LITT 3002 PCSU Paris in French Literature
Language of Instruction: English
Course Meeting Times and Place: TBD – Paris Center for Critical Studies
U.S. Semester credits: 3 semester credits/ 4.5 quarter credits
Contact hours: 45
Professor: Derek O’Regan
Contact information:
Office address: CPEC, 37 bis rue du Sentier, 75002 Paris
Course Description
This course looks at three texts by French writers to discover the manner in which the prestige, social world, political upheavals, intellectual and cultural life, and, of course, beauty of Paris have been registered and negotiated in literature. While the main focus of the course is the study of these texts, context and perspective on the role and image of the city in the novels will be provided by material and lectures treating a variety of subjects, including the political and social history of Paris, its architectural specificities, as well as its urban planning and development. Attention will also be devoted to the life and times of the authors, and to the figures and movements that influenced their writing.
The course also includes several excursions and site visits throughout the city.
Course Objectives
To analyse French literature with emphasis both on text and context
To understand the political and sociocultural trends weaved into the fabric of French literature
To gain a better understanding of the city of Paris through literature that depicts it
To learn about French authors and the backgrounds they bring to their writing
Coursework and Grading
Preparation and participation 25%
On-time attendance is mandatory. The reading of assigned texts (creative and critical) for each class is required, as is note-taking and participation during each session.
Comment papers 25%
Students must complete one comment paper during the course. This is an essay (4-5 pages, double spaced type) in which, supplemented by their own reading and research, students analyse specific themes relating to the course novels.
Examination 50%
Gobbet and essay-question format.
Required Texts
Honoré de Balzac, Old Goriot (Penguin Classics)
Marcel Proust, Swann’s Way (Penguin)
Patrick Modiano, Honeymoon (Verba Mundi)
Course Packet
Schedule
Week 1 July 21
Wednesday: Introductory Class at Center
Week 2 July 25-29
Balzac: Restoration Paris 1815-1830 (Social and Cultural Alienation)
Monday: Class at Center
Tuesday: Class at Center
Wednesday: Class at Center & Excursion - Latin Quarter (Le Panthéon)
Thursday: Class at Center & Excursion - Faubourg Saint-Germain (Rodin Museum)
Friday: Class at Center & Site Visit - La Maison de Balzac
Week 3 August 1-4
Proust: Belle Epoque Paris 1871-1914 (Love, Art and the Pursuit of Pleasure)
Monday : Class at Center
Tuesday : Class at Center
Wednesday : Class at Center
Thursday: Class at Center & Excursion - Chaussée-d’Antin
Week 4 August 8-12
Monday: Class at Center & Excursion - Champs-Elysées
Modiano: Occupied Paris 1940-1944 (Fascism and the Holocaust)
Tuesday: Class at Center
Wednesday: Class at Center & Excursion - Le Marais
Thursday: Class at Center & Site Visit - Holocaust Museum
Friday: Examination