'The complex nature of France's contemporary social fabric can be explained through its tumultuous past. From Medieval times to the twentieth century, France endured English and German military occupations, religious civil wars, multiple revolutions, and the aftermath of decolonization. Through a selection of films we will focus on crucial periods in its history. Films include Joan of Arc, Queen Margot, Marie Antoinette, Danton, The Sorrow and the Pity, The Eye of Vichy, The Battle of Algiers, L'Heritage Magrebin, and Paris la Metisse.

'From 1920 to 1940, black students from Africa and the Caribbean met in Paris to pursue their studies. Prompted by the colonial situation in their country of origin and the political situation in France, Aime Cesaire (Martinique), Leopold Sedar Senghor (Senegal), and Leon Gontran Damas (Guyana) formed the cultural movement known as 'Negritude.' We will discuss the genesis, objectives, and evolution of this movement and focus on its 'founding' poetic texts.

'Study of this crucial and problematic relationship in modern novels and films from Romance cultures. Exploration of the mother-daughter bond as literary theme, social institution, psychological dynamic, and metaphor for female creativity. Readings include Western myths and diverse theories of family arrangements (Rousseau, Freud, Chodorow, Rich, Irigaray, Giorgio, Mernissi, Nnaemeka).

'The French detective novel found its origins in Poe and in the disillusionment and malaise of the increasingly urban universe of the nineteenth century. It generally centered on a dark, mysterious Parisian atmosphere that spoke to a growing public awareness of the worlds of crime and of the police. Realist novelists, in particular Dostoevsky, enriched the genre's conventions, but the detective novel evolved beyond realism as it moved into the twentieth century, combining unsettling social critique with reassuringly flawless reasoning.'

'Images et Patrimoine: In this multimedia course students learn to decode images and study the social and historical context of French art and architecture: Medieval tapestries, Romanesque and Gothic cathedrals, Renaissance castles, Classic and Rococo art, and nineteenth century schools of painting. Students give in-class presentations and write essays about notable French landmarks. The purpose of such inquiry is to revisit the past and see how it has affected contemporary French society. All course material is online.'

'This course introduces the literatures of French-speaking countries outside Europe. Readings include tales, novels, plays, and poetry from Africa, the Caribbean, Canada, and other areas. Discussions and short papers examine the texts as literary works as well as keys to the understanding of varied cultures. Students will be asked to do formal oral and written presentations.'

'This course introduces students to literature and culture from a variety of perspectives. It will increase confidence and skill in writing and speaking; integrate historical, political, and social contexts into the study of literary texts from France and the French-speaking world; and bring understanding of the special relevance of earlier periods to contemporary French and Francophone cultural and aesthetic issues. Students explore diversified works - literature, historical documents, film, art, and music - and do formal oral and written presentations.'

'This course introduces students to literature and culture from a variety of perspectives. It will increase confidence and skill in writing and speaking; integrate historical, political, and social contexts into the study of literary texts from France and the French-speaking world; and bring understanding of the special relevance of earlier periods to contemporary French and Francophone cultural and aesthetic issues. Students explore diversified works - literature, historical documents, film, art, and music - and do formal oral and written presentations.'

'This course will improve students' writing and speaking skills in French and develop their ability to read and analyze texts. Course materials include authors and films representing cultures of the French-speaking world. Written and oral expression are strengthened through weekly essays, class discussion, and comprehensive grammar review. Students spend an additional hour each week with native French and Francophone assistants in small supplementary conversation groups.'

'This course will improve students' writing and speaking skills in French and develop their ability to read and analyze texts. Course materials include authors and films representing cultures of the French-speaking world. Written and oral expression are strengthened through weekly essays, class discussion, and comprehensive grammar review. Students spend an additional hour each week with native French and Francophone assistants in small supplementary conversation groups.'