FREN 242 : Modern French Civilization – A multilingual perspective

This course explores the social, political, and historical context of the languages and dialects found within France. From the regional languages of Catalan, Occitan, and Breton to immigrant languages like Arabic and Wolof, we will examine the linguistic and cultural landscapes that have shaped and continue to shape Modern and Contemporary French literature, culture, and society. Drawing on certain key historical, cultural, and social developments such as the French Revolution, the rise of the Republic, and the impact of colonization and decolonization, we will make connections to contemporary debates related to language, culture, politics, and identity in France. Through a combination of lectures, case studies, and field trips, students will develop a deeper understanding of the ways in which language shapes individual and collective identities.

The course begins with a focus on the historical ties between France and Spain, examining the history of the French language, transitioning to the formation of the French Republic, covering the French Revolution, Universalism, Enlightenment, and the roles of education and laïcité. Midway through the course, students will study the complex legacies of colonization and decolonization, with a focus on migration and diaspora. The final week focuses on contemporary French culture, including music and cinema.

  

SPAN 241 : Civilization of Spain – Translation & Cultural Exchange in Chivalric Literature

This course on the Civilization of Spain examines the medieval and early modern periods of the Iberian Peninsula, with emphasis on linguistic diversity and cultural exchange. By adopting a historical perspective, we challenge contemporary notions of the nation-state as represented by modern Spain, encouraging reflection on how a country’s identity extends beyond its current borders.

This course will serve two main purposes. First, it will offer an overview of the artistic, economic, social, and historical developments in the Iberian Peninsula during the Medieval and Early Modern periods, focusing on the themes of translation and cultural exchange. Second, we will delve deeper into these concepts by analyzing selected texts from the Iberian chivalric literary tradition.

By interrogating the complexities of translation, adaptation, and cultural exchange, we aim to unravel the multifaceted nature of medieval and early modern Iberian literature and its broader implications for understanding identity, cultural dynamics, and historical transformation.