This course approaches contemporary France through its material culture(s), asking what literary and filmic representations of everyday objects and consumer habits tell us about social values. In the decades following World War II, France simultaneously experienced rapid economic growth and the collapse of its colonial empire. Yet in the midst of these sweeping upheavals, many authors and filmmakers made a seemingly paradoxical choice: to focus on the minutiae of daily life—its consumer goods, architectures, and routines. Through close analysis of novels and films, we will consider what such a choice reveals about France’s attempts to define itself in a post-colonial and increasingly post-industrial Europe. For instance: What might a young couple’s frenzied shopping sprees suggest about class mobility? How might a woman’s rote familiarity with her kitchen appliances comment on gender roles? We will also examine how authors and filmmakers from former French colonies have used material culture to critique notions of belonging and citizenship, and how their critiques inform ongoing debates in France.

Units: 1

Max Enrollment: 12

Prerequisites: Two units, FREN 210 or above.

Distribution Requirements: LL - Language and Literature

Typical Periods Offered: Every three years

Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Fall; Not Offered