Readings: 

Les Précieuses ridicules

Tartuffe

Le Misanthrope

Dom Juan

Le Bourgeois gentilhomme

L’Avare

Course Description:

The career of Molière, the inventor of modern character-based comedy, is as fascinating from a cultural point of view as it is from a literary one.  Born into a prosperous bourgeois family, Molière left the well-trodden path to respectability for the uncertain prospects of the stage—only to become one of the very top playwrights of his day, cannily marketing both his image and that of Louis XIV.  This class will provide an introduction to some of his masterpieces, both from a generic point of view (how does Molière manipulate and transform the conventions of comedy?) and in the context of his professional life (how do his comedies cultivate the audiences responsible for Molière’s livelihood?). A number of films connected with Molière’s life and work will supplement the reading of plays and secondary material.

Prerequisites: 

French 102 or equivalent.

Additional Information:

This course satisfies one “Literature/Genre” or one “Elective” course requirement in the French major; satisfies one Historical Period requirement in French major. Satisfies L & S breadth requirement in Arts and Literature. Priority enrollment for declared French majors.

Section times and locations in the Schedule of Classes