Le Roman contemporain

In this course we will read a selection of French and Francophone novels from 1985 to 2015. Authors include Patrick Modiano, Marie NDiaye, Lydie Salvayre, Marie Redonnet, Jean-Philippe Toussaint and Laurent Mauvignier. Placing these novels in dialogue with key voices from critical theory (Cixous, Barthes, Derrida, Kristeva), we will pursue through the semester a sustained reflection on major contemporary “problematics” including identity, subjecthood, hospitality, history, genealogy, gender, memory and ghosts. Taught in French. 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.