French and Francophone Studies 315: French Fried: Stories of Franco-American Exchange

Why is there an entire category of French comics set in the American West? Why have so many American authors written their works in France? The French have a love affair with the “grands espaces” of the American West; Americans long to visit Paris, “the city of lights”. French comics celebrate masculine colonial fantasies of the American frontier; Emily goes to Paris.  The history of Franco-American exchange networks goes back centuries and continues today. In this course we will examine network structures of migration and cultural influence across geographic location. We’ll analyze the language used to talk about culture using the tools of digital humanities. We’ll study national stereotypes and the international reception of, and revision to, cultural products. Students will strengthen and hone advanced French language skills through the comparative analysis of text and media content, and through in-depth exploration of values, networks, and patterns of cultural and linguistic exchange. Active participation, frequent short writing assignments, oral presentations, and a final project required. Three course meetings per week plus one half-hour conversation session with a French Language Assistant. Conducted in French.