This course, in English (with all readings, papers and exams in
English) looks at the cultural and historical evolution of France
since 1945.  Students read recent novels by French authors that
illustrate aspects of this cultural and historical change.  One
selection of the course will be devoted to the evolution of Paris and
the Paris region since 1945.  On Wednesday evenings students view
feature films that also show aspects of life in France from the 1940's
to the present.  Among the authors to be read are Marguerite Duras,
Georges Perec, Annie Ernaux, Amélie Nothomb and Nancy Huston.  There
will be three exams and three papers based on topics developed by each
student.  Final grades will be based on the exams and papers and on
class participation.  On Tuesdays there will be lectures on aspects of
French culture depicted in the film shown on Wednesday, and on
Thursday we will discuss the films and the novels.