This course offers a broad survey of French authors and literary movements from the 19th century to the present day. Emphasis will be placed on the literary ideas and styles that emerged during this period. The discussions will also cover the most important moments in French recent history as imagined and rendered by writers. In addition, through the close reading of selected passages of major works, the participants will be introduced to methods of textual analysis and critical appraisal of literary texts in various genres (novel and prose, poetry and drama). The medium of discussion will be French, and the supporting material (excerpts, press articles, films, iconography and notes) will be in French or, where appropriate, provided in translation.