Writing the Modern: American and French Writers in France, 1910-1950

United Studies Abroad Consortium, Pau, France, Fall 2008
Professor Tom Peele

About Me
I am a professor of English at Boise State University where I teach cultural studies, French literature, and digital literacy. I studied French in Pau last summer and had a great time. You can see some pictures on my Facebook page. Please feel free to contact me with questions at tbpeele@gmail.com.

Course Description and Objectives
The course aims to provide students with a general introduction to literature written in France by French and American authors. In addition to course readings, we will investigate the art, culture, and fashion of the period. We will look closely at how French and American literary cultures were mutually influential in order to better understand terms like “culture” and “nation” from literary and artistic perspectives. Students are encouraged to use the Internet as a writing platform, to construct their essays as Web pages or blogs, and incorporate sound, image, and video as appropriate. Additional support will be provided for Web-based projects.
Required Texts

Marcel Proust
Swann's Way
Penguin Classics
ISBN-10: 0142437964

Jean Genet
Querelle of Brest
Grove, 1994
ISBN 978-0802151575

Djuna Barnes
Nightwood
New Directions, 2006,
ISBN 978-0811216715

Gertrude Stein
Paris France
Peter Owen Modern Classic, 2003
ISBN 978-0720611977
Assignments

Students will be asked to write two brief essays (5 pages) in response to any of the assigned texts. You will be asked to propose a final essay, to complete a preliminary draft, and to revise that draft into a final version of your essay based on my response and other students’ response. There will be a final exam. I encourage you to experiment with Web-based essay forms, though the digital facilities at Pau are limited. You’ll need to have your own computer if you want to pursue this option. If you’re interested in seeing the kinds of  projects students have completed in the past, send me an e-mail and I’ll send you a link.
Assignment Weights
Participation (readiness for class discussion, including brief written responses and attendance)
30%
Essay 1 in response to assigned text (your choice)
10%
Essay 1 in response to assigned text (your choice)
10%
Essay Proposal
10%
Final Essay
25%
Final Exam
15%