The goal of the course is to show how the art of songwriting in Québec is a primary and original aspect of Québecois culture. Songs have not only helped the people of Québec to survive but allow them to express their aspirations and their ideals through time. It is also important to understand the impact of québécois songs on the entire francophone culture. Many of Québec's authors, composers and performers have gained notoriety in France and other Francophone countries. The course aims to introduce the history and various themes of Québec songs throughout three major periods: l'implantation (1608-1959), l'expression (1960-1989) and l'innovation (1990 to today ). By understanding these periods, students will be able to analyze songs in a sociological perspective and to discover how Québec's most influential performers have established and marked the corpus of québécois songs.

Required text: La chanson québécoise en question, Robert Léger ISBN: 2-7644-0222-8 Pub: Québec-Amérique