Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2021 - FREN 441 D100

Topics in French Literature from the Middle Ages to the Eighteenth Century (pre-1789) (3)

Figures du persécuté

Class Number: 1852

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Fri, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    FREN 230 or 240 or 245, FREN 301W, and at least one 300-level group B (lit.) course.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Advanced study of selected works composed between the Middle Ages and the late eighteenth century. May be organized by period, movement, theme or approach. Students with credit for FREN 461, 462 or 463 must seek permission of the Department to take this course for further credit

COURSE DETAILS:

 « Bouc émissaire désigne simultanément l’innocence des victimes, la polarisation collective qui s’effectue contre elles et la finalité collective de cette polarisation », écrit René Girard dans Le Bouc émissaire (1982). Dans le cadre du cours FREN441, nous étudierons la signification de la notion de « bouc émissaire » [scapegoat] par le biais d’une base conceptuelle et théorique sur le sujet de la persécution [scapegoating]. En puisant dans le grand champ littéraire français de l’Ancien Régime, j’ai choisi différentes œuvres qui nous permettront d’analyser diverses figures de persécuté, c’est-à-dire des personnes ou des personnages qui, dans un contexte littéraire, sont dépeints comme boucs émissaires, puisque subissant la violence de collectivités à des fins de purgation. Nous nous arrêterons d’abord sur la figure du Christ pour introduire le thème du cours. Ensuite, nous discuterons de la persécution des Juifs au Moyen Âge et de la « chasse aux Sorcières » au début de la Renaissance. Nous allons poursuivre en lisant La Thébaïde de Jean Racine pour étudier la figure d’Antigone et le mythe d’Œdipe. Enfin, quelques cours seront dédiés au 18e siècle, car nous regarderons la figure de Jean Jacques Rousseau et nous parlerons du cas de Jean Calas au moyen du Traité sur la tolérance de Voltaire. Les cours seront en ligne sur Canvas : la matière générale se donnera de façon asynchrone par le biais de séries de diapositives PowerPoint avec des enregistrements sonores de ma voix. De plus, il y aura une partie synchrone entre 11h00 et 12h00 où j’animerai des ateliers d’analyse une heure par semaine.

Grading

  • Analyse littéraire (X3) 45%
  • Dissertation littéraire 45%
  • Participation 10%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Racine, Jean. Thébaïde. Paris : Gallimard. 2010 (1664).


ISBN: 9782070441556

Rousseau, Jean-Jacques. Les confessions. France : Livre de poche. 2012 (1782). 


ISBN: 9782253088837

Voltaire. Traité sur la tolérance. France : Flammarion. 2017 (1762). 


ISBN: 9782081416055

Department Undergraduate Notes:

Code of Academic Honesty
The Department of French applies the university's policy and procedures governing matters of academic dishonesty in all French courses. Students registered in French courses are expected to respect the standards laid out in SFU's Code of Academic Honesty, published at the university website http://www.sfu.ca/policies/teaching/t10-02.htm. Evidence of any of the various forms of Academic Disonesty described in this policy document (section 3.0) will be dealt with accordingly to the specified Procedure and Penalties (section 5.0). Students should therefore read this policy document carefully.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

TEACHING AT SFU IN SUMMER 2021

Teaching at SFU in summer 2021 will be conducted primarily through remote methods, but we will continue to have in-person experiential activities for a selection of courses.  Such course components will be clearly identified at registration, as will course components that will be “live” (synchronous) vs. at your own pace (asynchronous). Enrollment acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes. To ensure you can access all course materials, we recommend you have access to a computer with a microphone and camera, and the internet. In some cases your instructor may use Zoom or other means requiring a camera and microphone to invigilate exams. If proctoring software will be used, this will be confirmed in the first week of class.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112).