116-034 Quebec:Identity in a Globalising World

116-007 French I: Cultural Perspectives and 116-008 French I: Language in Context II or equivalent.

This subject examines the dynamic relationships between language, culture and nationalism which help to construct the identity of the French-speaking province of Quebec in Canada. Students will be introduced to the cultural, social and political history of Quebec and become acquainted with basic features of québécois French. By paying particular attention to contemporary québécois film and television, and through selected linguistic and social documents, the subject focuses on the place of language in the past and present struggles over québécois identity. Consideration will also be given to ways in which 'the nation' is constructed within the narrative forms of cinema and television. The subject will be taught in French.