This course considers contemporary literature in French as a lens for thinking through the possibilities of humanities scholarship, now. What subjects and trends can we identify across French-language novels published after 2000, and what tools are at our disposal for effectively reading and grappling with the pressing issues, genres, and questions of the day? This course provides a sense of the changing landscape of contemporary literature from across the francophone world, and gives students the tools to hone their voices as literary and cultural critics. Our primary source readings (by writers such as Annie Ernaux, Gaël Faye, Faïza Guène, Kaoutar Harchi, Édouard Louis, and Evelyne Trouillot) will be put in dialogue with recent critical approaches from the environmental humanities, disability studies, queer and feminist theory, world literature and translation, postcolonial theory, and cultural studies. The course aims to demonstrate how we can do important critical work as humanities scholars and students, empowering us all to expand the possibilities of literary criticism into the 21st century.

Units: 1

Max Enrollment: 12

Prerequisites: Two units, 210 or above.

Distribution Requirements: HS - Historical Studies; LL - Language and Literature

Typical Periods Offered: Every other year

Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Not Offered; Spring