French Studies 397F - ST-Intro/SciFi & Fantasy

This course will focus on the main characteristics of French science fiction and fantasy literature in the 20th and 21st centuries through the study of three novels, a short story anthology, and a comic book. The common theme that all these narratives share is how humanity envisions its evolution - as can be seen through the exploration of how Jules Verne, magicians, witches, and dragons fit together in uchronic and steampunk possible worlds. The science fiction texts also address the related themes of the very limits of the differences between men and animals and the posthuman agenda. Finally, based on these narratives, this course will explore the topic of the figure of the resistant hero, as it is culturally marked, and interrogate the epic character of heroism and the transmission of heroic values in French culture.