Literary Avant-Garde in French (1900-1950)
French Studies · 3 hrs Lecture
Offered: Fall Or Winter
FREN-2384 prerequisites
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any one of
placement test
the former FREN-1111
the former FREN-1112
permission of the instructor
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Description
This course examines the concept of "avant-garde" in early twentieth century French literatures in Europe, the Antilles and Canada. We analyze texts from the Manifeste Dada (1918) through André Breton's Manifeste du surréalisme (1924) and Aimé Césaire's poetry to the Refus Global (1948) in Quebec. The course focuses on literary and cultural comparisons. It investigates various aspects of Modernism, such as aesthetic autonomy and the relationship between art and politics. The course works across genres and national literatures. Students learn about modernist mouvements and contexts: dada, futurism, surrealism, expressionism, theatre of the absurd and the négritude mouvement.
Requisite courses
FREN-2105, or placement test, or the former FREN-1111(6), or the former FREN-1112(6), or permission of the instructor [prerequisite(s)].
From the 2026-27 undergraduate calendar. Always verify details on WebAdvisor or with an academic advisor before registering.