This course is a comprehensive study of 17th-century French theater, concentrating on the works of the great authors Corneille, Racine, and Molière. We will study the rules of classical tragedy used in the 17th century and also look at theories of comedy and how they are used in these plays. In addition to reading the plays in French, we will see many of them on video or listen to audio recordings of French theater productions. Coursework will include discussion, reading critical articles outside of class, and exams and/or a term paper.
*Prerequisite: at least French 210, Intermediate Composition and Conversation.