Paris Through Literature, Painting, Cinema, and Photography

FREN 392 (formerly FREN 290)/3.0

Eiffel Tower at sunset

Overview

Students will explore Paris through the diverse, creative, and anecdotal perspectives offered by writers, filmmakers, painters, photographers, and other artists. Such figures have played important roles in significant literary and artistic trends and movements, and have portrayed Paris in a variety of perspectives. 

Taught in English together with FRST 290. Students concentrating in French submit written assignments, tests, and examinations in French.

Learning Outcomes

LEARNING OUTCOMES 

By the end of the course, students will be able to: 

  1. Identify key writers, filmmakers and artists who have either lived in Paris or in whose work Paris has played a significant role; 

  1. Recognize Paris’ various neighbourhoods, key sites and cultural characteristics; 

  1. Describe the socio-historical and cultural reality of Paris before, during and after World War II; 

  1. Discuss several key literary, cinematic and artistic trends that emerged during these periods;

  1. Compare different literary, cinematic and artistic movements; 

  1. Explain how historical events influence and give rise to social, cultural and artistic change; 

  1. Analyze literary texts, films and artistic works in relation to a specific theme or issue. 

TOPICS 

  • A General Introduction to the City 

  • Paris through different literary genres 

  • Paris Through Cinema and Photography     

  • Occupied Paris  

  • Post-War Trends in Cinema (Literature and Painting)