Littérature et culture: Margins of Modernity

A survey of French and Francophone works from the 18th century to the present that reflects on a number of cultural shifts, of challenges but also resistances to hierarchies (social, sexual, political); the urban context; legacies of colonization. Various figures of marginality to be studied: vagabonds and parvenus, dandies and courtesans, outcasts and pariahs. Authors to be studied include Prévost, Marivaux, Balzac, Baudelaire, Maupassant, Duras, Camara Laye and Rachid O. Prerequisite: a course at the 600- or 700-level or equivalent proficiency. Contact the instructor to verify your proficiency if you have not take French at Brown. Taught in French.