Literature in Translation: “Because We Know That Language Exists”: Roland Barthes and French Literature and Theory (1945-2011)

Roland Barthes was at the crossroads of all the various literary and theoretical currents that defined post-World War II France. His work thus constitutes a wonderful introduction to the passionate debates that defined this period and still have repercutions today. We will put some of Barthes’ major works in the context of their theoretical influences (Marxism, linguistics) but will also revisit some literary masterpieces with which he was in constant dialogue. Also, from Writing Degree Zero (1953) to A Lover’s Discourse: Fragments (1977) and the posthumous Mourning Diary (2009), we’ll try to understand the evolution of Barthes’ writing, which progressively shows a preoccupation with language shared by poets and writers. We’ll thus try to assess Barthes’ position in today’s poststructuralist and postmodern France. Course taught in English, with the possibility of conducting conferences in French or English.