FFS 291 - Reimagining the Salon

Semester Offered: Spring
0.5 unit(s)

Salons were social spaces that changed French society. In early modern France (17th-18th century), groups of noble and upwardly mobile folk met regularly at the homes of salonnier·ière·s (salon hosts) to discuss science and revolution, debate philosophical problems, write, play, read, and gossip. In this half-unit intensive, students learn about the early modern salon and stage a contemporary version of their own. Classes are organized as salon meetings, with students alternating as the salonnier·ère. At each meeting, members begin by discussing salon texts and objects, including board games, moral philosophy, decorative fans, fairy tales, and botanical specimens. Drawing on the formal features of those early modern genres, the salonnier·ère then brings the salon into the twenty-first century. This may take many forms: they might start a debate on a contemporary issue, present their fellow attendees with a new invention or interesting object to discuss, preside over a game or competition, organize a dramatic reading of a scene from a play or film, strategize the means to effect change in their local community, and so on. Ultimately, the form that the salon takes depends on the interests of its participants. Throughout the semester, participants write short reflections on the salon experience, culminating in a written or artistic final project. Rupinder Kaur.

Prerequisite(s): FFS 212 or the equivalent.

This course is conducted in French and meets every other week.

One 2-hour period and individual conferences with the instructor.

Course Format: INT