Readings/Films:

Texts : Mme de Lafayette, La Princesse de Clèves ; Molière, George Dandin ; Jean-Baptiste Lully and Philippe Quinault, Cadmus & Hermione, Jean Racine, Esther ; Jean de La Bruyère, Les Caractères (excerpts); Jean de La Fontaine, Fables (excerpts).
Films : Roberto Rosellini, La Prise du pouvoir par Louis XIV (1966) ; Patricia Mazui, Saint-Cyr (2000) ; Cadmus & Hermione, by Vincent Dumestre and the Poème Harmonique, Alpha (2008).

Course Description:

Today, popular culture sometimes fantasizes over the intricacies of court rituals or marvels over the lavishness of court festivities. There is also much fascination for the amorous intrigues believed to have taken place in Versailles. The reign of Louis XIV, during which the French court became a way for the King to better establish his authority over his nobility, while publicizing his power across France and beyond, is even often portrayed as the political high point of the Old Régime. Yet many courtiers did not see things this way under Louis XIV. Rather, they viewed the court as a dangerous place, where their fortunes could be done and undone in an instant. They also denounced the court as morally corrupt, and even suggested that it encouraged a form of monarchical government which threatened their freedoms, just as much as the welfare of their country.

This class explores the French court under Louis XIV by confronting historical documents and a number of the most famous literary representations of the court produced in the 17th century with the writings of today’s historians of court culture. We also analyze the representations of the court articulated in three cinematic productions, one of them being a historical reconstruction of a 17th century performance. The class aims to better understand the social and political practices, as well the spiritual beliefs and aesthetic values, which characterized court life, while also inquiring into the various ways in which court culture has been accounted for since the 17th century.

Prerequisites:

French 102 or consent of instructor.

Additional information:

This course satisfies one “Culture” or one “Elective” requirement in the French major. Course also satisfies one Historical Period Requirement in French Major. Satisfies one course requirement in French minor.

Satisfies College of Letters and Science breadth in Social and Behavioral Sciences or Historical Studies or International Studies.

Section times and locations in the Schedule of Classes