Des monstres et de l'anormal

What are monsters and why do they fascinate us so much? How and why have representations of "abnormal" creatures changed over time? We will examine these questions through literary, philosophical, and scientific texts from the 16th century to the present. In addition to films, iconography, and criticism, readings will include: Paré, Montaigne; Malebranche, Perrault, d'Aulnoy; Le Prince de Beaumont; Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, Mendès; Bataille, Cocteau, Darrieussecq, Foucault, Nothomb. Taught in French. Prerequisite: a course at the 600- or 700-level or equivalent proficiency. Contact the instructor to verify your proficiency if you have not taken French at Brown.