FREN 0477
Madness and Reason
Senior Seminar: "Madness and Reason": Short Stories and Novellas in the 19th Century
This senior seminar will offer a different view of nineteenth-century literature. Instead of studying the famous "big novel" of the period, we will choose to uncover contradictions present in nineteenth century ideology. The social malaise, a product of conflicts between progress, civilization and passion will emerge in texts telling stories of happiness, anxiety, hermaphrodites, murder, isolation and social conformity: Readings will include among others, Chateaubriand: René, Balzac: Sarrasine, Mérimée: Lotkis, Zola: Thérèse Raquin. This seminar will include a significant research component. (Open to French Senior Majors, other students by waiver). 3 hrs. lect./disc.
This senior seminar will offer a different view of nineteenth-century literature. Instead of studying the famous "big novel" of the period, we will choose to uncover contradictions present in nineteenth century ideology. The social malaise, a product of conflicts between progress, civilization and passion will emerge in texts telling stories of happiness, anxiety, hermaphrodites, murder, isolation and social conformity: Readings will include among others, Chateaubriand: René, Balzac: Sarrasine, Mérimée: Lotkis, Zola: Thérèse Raquin. This seminar will include a significant research component. (Open to French Senior Majors, other students by waiver). 3 hrs. lect./disc.