In an era where we find ourselves perpetually riveted by the latest news story, this course asks us to slow down and consider the interconnections, past and present, between literature and the news. By probing the boundary between literary texts and popular media (in the form of print journalism, blogs, podcasts, and television), we will ask how current events become fodder for fiction and what makes a text “literary.” We will explore such topics as the rise and development of the 'fait divers', the genre of what in Spanish is called the 'crónica', and the place of new journalism in French and francophone texts. In addition to writing analytical papers, students will have creative opportunities to write a current event as a literary text (and vice versa). Our reading list will incorporate books from across the francophone world, including L’Adversaire (Emmanuel Carrère), Viviane Élisabeth Dauville (Julia Deck), L’Amante anglaise (Marguerite Duras), Le Dernier jour d’un condamné à mort (Victor Hugo), Failles (Yanick Lahens), De purs hommes (Mohamed Mbougar Sarr), and Chanson douce (Leïla Slimani).

Units: 1

Max Enrollment: 14

Prerequisites: At least one unit of FREN 205, FREN 206, FREN 207, FREN 208, FREN 209 or above, or an equivalent departmental placement score.

Distribution Requirements: LL - Language and Literature

Typical Periods Offered: Every other year

Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Fall; Not Offered