2007 Fall FRENCH 111S-01
Bulletin Course Description A literary, cross-cultural critique focusing on specific topics to be announced. Open only to freshmen and sophomores. May be repeated. Instructor: Staff
(Instructor named in bulletin description above may not be current. For current instructor, see listing below.)
Title SALOME: MYTH OF FEMME FATAL Department FRENCH Course Number 2007 Fall 111S Section Number 01 Primary Instructor Pouzet,Virginie Alix Prerequisites
Prerequisites
Successful completion of French 76, or SAT II score of 640+, or an AP test score of 4(literature) or 5 (language). Freshmen and Sophomores only.
Synopsis of course content
"Salomé: The Myth of the Femme Fatale"
The very first flapper girl, a pre-pop icon more daring than Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera and Madonna together, dancing more seductively than Shakira and J.Lo, Salomé embodies the essence of the femme fatale. Her dance of the seven veils fascinates men to such an extent that it literally makes their heads spin (and John the Baptist ends up beheaded by it!). Beyond the typical representation of it in American movies, what exactly is a femme fatale? And why did this particular feminine icon named Salomé blossom in 19th-Century France?
The purpose of this course is to question the role and place of women in the 19th-Century French literature and culture by focusing on the myth of Salomé.
Class time will consist of presentations by the instructor and by the students. All readings, discussions and writings will be in French.
Textbooks
Flaubert : Hérodias
Huysmans : A Rebours
Mallarmé : Hérodiade
Wilde : Salomé
Plus texts posted on e-reserve and blackboard.
Assignments
Grade to be based on
Grade to be based on attendance, class participation, short oral presentations, two essays (3-4 pages), and a final project in which students will attempt to modernize and renew Salomé’s myth.
