18th Century French Literature

1. Analyze the sociopolitical and religious contexts of 18th-century French literature.
2. Identify and discuss the key literary genres of the period.
3. Explain the philosophical movements and their influence on literature.
4. Evaluate the works of major 18th-century French writers.
5. Understand the impact of censorship and salons on literary production.
6. Trace the origins of Romanticism and its relationship to the Enlightenment.

13 weeks, about 43 hours in total. Yours will differ.

1. Week 1Module 1:

   • Unit 1: Presentation du 18e Siecle · 2 hours

     Read Unit 1: Understand the historical context and key dates of the 18th century.. Identify major events and figures of the period..

   • Unit 2: La Litterature au 18e Siecle · 2 hours

     Review the definition of 'l'âge des lumières' and its significance.. Analyze the major orientations of the period..

2. Week 2Module 1:

   • Unit 3: La Vie Sociale au 18e Siecle · 3 hours

     Examine the three major classes in 18th-century France: le Clergé, la Noblesse, and le Tiers État.. Discuss the roles and privileges of each class..

3. Week 3Module 1:

   • Unit 4: Les Genres Litteraires au 18e Siecle · 3 hours

     Define novel, poetry, and drama in the context of the 18th century.. Identify key authors and works in each genre..

4. Week 4Module 1:

   • Unit 5: La Crise de la Conscience Europeenne · 3 hours

     Analyze the psychological and intellectual shifts during the European crisis.. Discuss the challenges to traditional authority and religious dogmas..

5. Week 5Module 2:

   • Unit 1: L'europe En 1715 · 3 hours

     Examine the major changes in Europe, particularly France, in 1715.. Discuss the birth of relativism and the triumph of science..

6. Week 6Module 2:

   • Unit 2: Le 18e Siecle Comme L'âge des Lumières · 3 hours

     Define the concept of 'l'âge des lumières' and its key characteristics.. Discuss the literary situation of the century..

7. Week 7Module 2:

   • Unit 3: Le Concept de la Philosophie Au 18e Siecle · 3 hours

     Define 'philosopher' in the context of the 18th century.. Discuss the principles and qualities of a philosopher..

8. Week 8Module 2:

   • Unit 4: La Progression du Savoir Et La Rédaction De L'encyclopédie · 3 hours

     Trace the origin of the French encyclopedia.. Discuss its structure and key figures involved in its creation..

9. Week 9Module 2:

   • Unit 5: Les Thèmes de L'encyclopédie · 3 hours

     Identify and explain the major themes developed in L'encyclopédie.. Discuss the philosophical, scientific, and critical spirit of the encyclopedia..

10. Week 10Module 3:

    • Unit 1: La Litterature et sa Préoccupation Socio-Politique Au 18e Siecle · 3 hours

      Identify social and political aspects criticized by 18th-century authors.. Explain how these critiques contributed to the sociopolitical development of France..

    • Unit 2: La Litterature et la Préoccupation Religieuse Au 18e Siecle · 3 hours

      Discuss the religious aspects criticized by 18th-century authors.. Explain how these critiques contributed to religious freedom and the development of a liberal spirit in France..

11. Week 11Module 3:

    • Unit 3: La Censure et les Salons Littéraires Au 18e Siecle · 3 hours

      Define 'la censure' and 'salons littéraires'.. Discuss the roles of these institutions in 18th-century French literature..

12. Week 12Module 3:

    • Unit 4: Vers La Naissance du Nouveau Courant Littéraire : Le Romantisme · 3 hours

      Trace the origin of Romanticism to the efforts of the 18th century.. Discuss the events that led to the creation of a new theatre in France at the end of the 18th century..

13. Week 13Module 3:

    • Unit 5: Rousseau et la Critique Socio-Politique du Siecle · 3 hours

      Discuss Rousseau's life, works, and sociopolitical critiques.. Analyze his influence on the development of political thought..