Fictions de l'individu

Explores various expressions of the self in the 18th century, especially with regard to conflicts with social constraints, hierarchical gendering, the ordering of class structures, and the effort to normalize sexuality. Notions of autonomy, freedom, and happiness, the chief pursuits of the Enlightenment, are examined. Authors studied include Marivaux, Voltaire, Rousseau, Casanova, Diderot, and Mme de Châtelet. Prerequisite: a course at the 0600 or 0700 -level or equivalent proficiency. Contact the instructor to verify your proficiency if you have not taken French at Brown.