3.0

credits

Average Course Rating

Law: is it a science or an art? Fiction writers as well as jurists produce texts that relate to and often inflect social, moral and political values. However, these affinities are often a source of deep tension. In this course, we will be investigating the nebulous contours of binary concepts such as literature and belles lettres, jurisdiction and audience, public and private affairs, and mercy and justice, as “subjects” evolve into “citizens” in 18th-century France. After establishing a conceptual framework via juridical heavyweights such as Leibniz and Montesquieu, we will weave our way through the 18th century, moving between the increasingly similar spaces of the courtroom and the stage, before finally ending up at the foot of the guillotine, with Marie Antoinette and Maximilien Robespierre. Taught in English, but French minor/major credit possible by completing written work in French and by attending a weekly discussion section conducted in French. Students interested in the 4-credit French option should enroll in section 2. All others should enroll in section 1.Special Notes: This course is meant to be a small class experience. Enrollment limits will be strictly enforced.