French 272 - INTELLECTUALS AS ACTIVISTS

Why can some writers be called intellectuals? What is an intellectual? Why are French intellectuals unique? This course studies the emergence of political activism and the figure of the French “intellectual engagé” through readings from key social and historical moments and from a variety of genres. We 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 Molière, Voltaire, Hugo, Zola, Sartre, Beauvoir, Halimi, Bourdieu and others. Prerequisite: FRN 230, or permission of the instructor.