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