FFS 170 - Perspectives in French and Francophone Cultures

Semester Offered: Fall
1 unit(s)

Topic for 2020/21a: Down to Earth: An Ecocritical Venture. “To be down to earth” is a metaphorical expression that upholds the environmental values of moderation, practicality and acceptance of others as equals. Its opposite, “to act high and mighty,” condemns excess, waste and unjustified assertions of superiority. In this discussion-based course, we focus on metaphor to explore literature and film in search of environmental values. In what ways do literary or cinematic metaphors challenge or reinforce various dualisms – such as ”civilized/savage,” “light/dark” and “humanity/animality” – that structure hierarchical thinking? What are the implicit or explicit connections between such thinking and a text’s representations of human and non-human nature? Students learn to engage strategies for using writing to analyze and develop their ideas, and to engage materials relevant to their arguments. Coursework builds toward crafting a coherent essay that logically develops an original claim. Kathleen Hart.

Open only to first-year students; satisfies the college requirement for a First-Year Writing Seminar.

Although the content of each section varies, the course may not be repeated for credit; see the First-Year Handbook for descriptions.

Two 75-minute periods.

Course Format: CLS