What is love?

As we discussed in class today, in her "Lais," Marie de France talks a lot about love. What does she say about love? What is her message?

What do you think love is?

What is a fable?

Next class, we will be talking about fables (in particular, those of Marie de France). In your own words, what is a fable? ...

La Querelle des femmes

Please consult the following web site on the Querelle des femmes. We will discuss it on Wednesday.

www.womenpriests.org/traditio/list_qu.asp


What did you think of our discussion today on "Writing Woman"? Is this triple entendre reasonable?

Marie de France - Feminine/Feminist Writer?

This weekend, you will be reading Michelle Freeman's article on Marie de France (Marie de France's Poetics of Silence) . Before coming to class next Monday, please do the following :

1. Summarize Michelle Freeman's thesis in one sentence.
2. Write one question about Marie de France that has surfaced after you have read the article.
3. Visit the wiki on Marie de France at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marie_de_France to obtain some biographical information on Marie de France.

Female, Feminine, Feminist

As I mentioned in class today, I would like you all to think a little bit about the connotations and denotations of the words "Female," "Feminine," and "Feminist." These are important terms in a diachronic approach to the study of French Women Writers.

Very soon, we will begin to discuss Marie de France, and we will think and talk about how these terms operate in conjunction with her writings.

Doc Gray

French Women Writers - Fall 2007

Dear FREN321 Students:

I am so excited that you have chosen to enroll in this course this semester. I know that this will be a great learning experience for everyone (including me!).

Welcome to the course!