FFS 230 - Medieval and Early Modern Times

Semester Offered: Spring
1 unit(s)

Topic for 2018/19b: City of Lights, City of Lies: Paris under the Sun King. What was it like to live in Paris under the most powerful, style-obsessed and image-conscious monarch in French history? How did shopkeepers and aristocrats, priests and thieves, actors, artists, scientists and politicians cope while Louis XIV was busy transforming the “crime capital of the world” into Europe’s most modern and sophisticated urban center? Through historical, cultural and literary case studies, students delve into the magnificence and dangers of Paris during the Age of Absolutism. They explore the beauty of gilded palaces, the duplicity of court life and the unlimited power of the secret police. They learn about a city of bright lights, high fashion, fine food and black magic, where dizzying success often led to precipitous disgrace, and lying became an art. Film screenings accompany readings. Cynthia Kerr.

Prerequisite(s): FFS 212 or the equivalent, or permission of the instructor.

Two 75-minute periods.