Readings/Films:

Writing Analytically by David Rosenwasser and Jill Stephen, 7th Edition

Letters from a Peruvian Woman by Françoise de Graffigny, trans. David Kornacker (MLA Texts & Translations, ISBN 978-0873527781

Course Reader

Course Description:

We will begin this course with the question of what it means to read a text analytically – how does reading “critically” differ from reading “for pleasure”?  In this R1B, the second of the Reading and Composition requirements, you will develop your skills in research-based literary analysis through seminar-style class discussions, one-on-one meetings with your instructor, and peer workshops.

The selection of French texts in translation we will read come from a range of historical periods, from the medieval to the modern, and all take an interesting variety of forms, from lyric poetry to epistolary novel; in general, these texts discuss romantic love and (spoiler alert!) there aren’t many truly happy endings.  But our work won’t be focused on plot: instead, you’ll be reading in order to practice developing observations into clear, persuasive interpretive claims, making arguments using well-chosen textual evidence, conducting research, and using academic conventions to bring your work into conversation with other scholars.

Additional Information:

French R1B satisfies the second half of the Reading and Composition Requirement. Classes are conducted in ENGLISH

Section times and locations in the Schedule of Classes