By the end of the course, students will have acquired and refined: ● the historical and cultural knowledge of the Eighteenth French literature; ● the skills to contextualise and critically analyse the literary texts.
"How Can One Be Persian?" (or Peruvian?)
This course aims to delve into the complexity of Enlightenment thought through the analysis of two epistolary novels: "Persian Letters" (1721) by Montesquieu and "Letters of a Peruvian Woman" (1747) by Françoise de Graffigny. These works address ethnocentrism, rejecting it in order to promote intercultural dialogue, and invite reflection on crucial and universal themes such as liberty, justice, the pursuit of happiness, and the role of women in society.
The literary genre to which these novels belong, the characteristics and specificities of which will be highlighted, allows for a nuanced narrative structure that diversifies the voices of characters (in Montesquieu), the situations, and the tones, becoming an extraordinary tool for disseminating and understanding the values of the Enlightenment.
The programme is different for attending and non-attending students. Bibliographic indications can be found in the Leganto section of the course, for whom additional learning support is provided. Erasmus students and students with PDP or PEI are invited to contact the lecturer at the beginning of the courses. The professor's communications to the students on the course will take place by e-mail via the e-learning area, to which all students should therefore promptly subscribe.
