French and Francophone Studies 330: (Un)natural Spaces

From the royal gardens of Versailles to the impressionist garden of Monet, from the Expedition in Egypt to the Musée nationale de l’histoire naturelle, from the pastoral wanderings of Rousseau to the eco-tourism of WWOOFing, this course will explore human relationships with cultivated spaces through French eyes. Course texts will include close reading of literary passages, media analysis of contemporary and historical images, exhibits, and practices, and short theoretical texts. Assignments will include frequent short writing assignments, a visual portfolio, active oral participation, and a final project. Three class meetings per week plus one half-hour conversation session with a French Language Assistant. Conducted in French.