Philosophical Journeys, Real Encounters

3 Credits.

From the Renaissance onwards, travel narratives by French missionaries, soldiers, adventurers and traders opened up Europeans minds to new worlds of possibilities in loving, making war and peace, and achieving freedom and happiness. This course will explore European perceptions of Indigenous cultures and Indigenous critiques of European societies. Focus on Brazil, Nouvelle France (France's North American colonies) and Russia, from the 16th to the 19th century. Readings and discussion in French.