FRE 367 - Topics: Classical French Theater (1)

Plays from the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries in France, a period sometimes referred to as the golden age of French theater, continue to both influence drama and be performed throughout the world today. In this course, we will study a selection of comedies, tragedies, and other theatrical texts from the era by authors such as Corneille, Molière, and Racine, situating them in their socio-historical and intellectual milieux. Since plays are intended to be performed and watched rather than read, in addition to examining texts we will watch adaptations and there will be occasions for students to engage with the texts on their feet. Finally, we will discuss the role that these plays had as vehicles of important philosophical and moral ideas circulating in France early in the modern age. This course will be taught in French. Prerequisite: FRE 311 or FRE 312