The course offerings include lectures and seminars on French literature from the 17th century to the present. A variety of genres and periods are considered, for example, the drama of the Baroque and Classical periods, dialogue in the Enlightenment, the novel of realism-naturalism, or the poetry of Symbolism. Special attention is given to the avant-gardes of the 20th century (Surrealism, Nouveau Roman, Oulipo) and contemporary narrative prose. In order to facilitate intensive study of literary texts, basic techniques of interpretation as well as central concepts of narrative theory and genre poetics are taught. In addition, the texts covered will be placed in their literary historical context, with literary history understood as part of a broader cultural and media history. Last but not least, the goal should be to have fun reading literary texts!
