Myths of Paris

In this course, we will examin some of the major literary, cultural, and intellectual movements that have shaped the character of French depictions of Paris from the eighteenth to the twenty-first centuries. We will pay particular attention to literary and visual representations of Paris and the construction of its myths. Our inquiry will lead us not only to examine a variety of genres and media-the epistolary novel, short stories, poetry, paintings, film, and photographs, for example- but also to think critically about how diverse modes of representation contribute to the construction of cultural myths. 6 units. Three class meetings per week. Prerequisite: one 400-level course or consent of instructor.