French 272 - FRENCH INTELLECTUALS/ACTIVISTS

Why can some writers be called intellectuals? What is an intellectual? Why are French intellectuals unique? This course will study the emergence of political activism and the figure of the French ?intellectual engage? through readings from key social and historical moments and from a variety of genres. We will trace how public debates on highly controversial topics such as intolerance, fanaticism, the death penalty, feminism, racism, and the role of media have influenced intellectuals to become committed to transforming French politics and society. Texts include writings by Montaigne, Moliere, Voltaire, Hugo, Zola, Sartre, Beauvoir, Halimi, Bourdieu and others. Prerequisite: FRN 230 or permission of the instructor.