FREN 332 - Border-Crossings and Immigration in Western Europe Through Literature and Cinema

Global media have long been fascinated with images of migrants from the South enduring perilous journeys in their attempts to enter Europe through land or sea. These images have produced series of standard narratives, especially since the 2010s, rather than a deep understanding. They have also produced series of immigration policy changes as well as humanitarian initiatives. With the help of theorists such as Hannah Arendt, Giorgio Agamben, Achille Mbembe and Sarah Mekdjian, this course will analyze mass media images of immigration, juxtaposing them with more nuanced representations from migrant and European cinema and literature. From representations and accounts of detention camps, to those of integration, hospitality and success the course materials includes human rights reports, memoirs, fiction, graphic novels, films. The course functions as a discussion seminar. Student work includes presentations, digital work, and short papers. Occasionally. (4 Credits)