The course is on the period of French literature from the 16th to the 20th centuies: main characteristics, representatives, works. In this context, texts by Montaigne, the three greats of the theatre of the classical period (Corneille, Molière, Racine), texts by Hugo, Chateaubriand, Stendhal, Balzac, Verlaine, Baudelaire, Proust, Gide, Sartre, Camus, are approached and analysed. By way of introduction, the historical, social and cultural context of each century is presented and analysed. 

    The course runs in parallel with "Francophone countries and their cultures" (formerly "France, country and culture II"). The latter visits French and Francophone culture through the door of political history and this one through the door of literature. The two courses are mutually supportive in order to better acquaint those who take them with French history and culture.

Danier Bergez, Précis de littérature française, Paris 2009.

Assessment is by written examination and optional (non-exempt) assignments.