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Course Description

Summary

This course examines libertinage, the movement of early‐modern freethinkers who championed individual autonomy and questioned the authority of religious, moral, social, and political thought. We will focus particular attention on questions of pleasure and morality, sexuality and power, authority and subversion. Writers studied will include Molière (Dom Juan), Prévost (Manon Lescaut), Laclos (Liaisons Dangereuses), Sade, and Houellebecq. Readings, critical and creative written assignments, and oral presentations will help students improve their reading, speaking and writing skills in French. Advanced level. Conducted in French.