French

Through close readings of historical, sociological, and anthropological texts, as well as analysis of debates surrounding recent food controversies (rising obesity rates, genetically modified foods, regionally certified “authentic” foods), this course aims to develop students’ understanding of important anthropological theory in the study of food (taste, consumption, gifts), while building their awareness of the role food plays in the construction and expression of individual and group identity.

What do travel writings tell us about fantasies and anxieties haunting nineteenth-century France? Did travel writings, tourism, and voyage serve to perpetuate or undermine the imperial project? What role did travel writings play with regard to racial stereotypes?

The constitution of national identity is deeply bound to the realities and representations of political violence. In this course, we will examine the ways that violence has been represented across a range of French and Francophone graphic novels. We will consider how works treating revolution, war, genocide, and decolonization reaffirm and undermine dominant narratives as well as offer distinct access into how notions of identity and community are shaped. Topics include World War I, World War II, the Algerian War, and the Rwandan Genocide.