Course syllabus

SEMESTER 2, 2017

French 711 - Special Topic: Theory and Text

This seminar introduces students to representative examples of “French Theory” from the 1960s onwards, focusing first on excerpts from texts by “first-generation” theoreticians Bourdieu, Lacan, Foucault, Derrida, and Lyotard. We will then turn to excerpts from slightly later texts by Wittig, Kristeva, Nancy and Rancière. As we go we will map out the different positions and philosophical traditions that the term “French Theory” covers, but, at the same time, question whether the very concept is an Anglo invention. Is the fact these theoreticians all challenge rationalistic Enlightenment-based philosophy truly sufficient to make them a coherent group? 

In addition to situating the various theories in relation to each other we will be very interested in the purposes of theory and why it is so important, today more than ever. The seminar will be very “hands-on,” with students considering the texts studied in relation to their own work and/or interests, whatever these happen to be.   

The seminar will be conducted in English (time and venue to be agreed upon) with a separate optional discussion of the same readings in French (1.00 Wed in Arts 1, room 213 – students whose French is not strong should feel free to come along). Readings, all accessible on-line or through the department, will be available in both French and English translation.

We will read excerpts from the following texts: 

• Pierre Bourdieu, Reproduction in Education, Society, and Culture. 

• Jacques Lacan, Seminar 7. 

• Michel Foucault, History of Sexuality. 

• Jacques Derrida. De la grammatologie (with a bit from Saussure, Cours de linguistique générale). 

• Jean-Francois Lyotard, The Postmodern Condition. 

• Jean Baudrillard, Simulacres et simulation. 

• Jean-Luc Nancy, The Gravity of Thought. 

• Monique Wittig, The Straight Mind. 

• Julia Kristeva. "On the Melancholic Imaginary." 

• Jacques Ranciere, The Emancipated Spectator.