FREN 490 Major Seminar: Literary Themes and Theory

The seminar will focus on the close reading and informed discussion of texts from the major reading list (from Chanson de Roland and the Middle Ages to post-colonialism) within the context of literary theory (from Sainte-Beuve to Derrida), and it will focus on writing workshops designed to perfect analytical writing (techniques of the commentaire composé and the dissertation littéraire). Although open to all students, the seminar is intended, principally, to facilitate the completion of the Comprehensive examination in French. The seminar, readings, and activities will be tailored to meet individual student interests and needs. This course may be repeated for a total of 8 credits toward graduation, only 4 of which may count for the major.