Topics II: In-Perspective: Contagions

Metaphors of contagion are ubiquitous in contemporary culture. In this course we will explore the mechanisms of social *and* microbial transmission as seen in literature, memes, film/video, comics, and other cultural materials. What makes a meme or a video "go viral"? Who is "untouchable" and why? Is laughter really "infectious"? In what ways have notions of contagion and disease been essential to the development of French and Francophone culture, from the Black Death to Covid and beyond? What new cultural forms will emerge from recent and future pandemics? This course counts towards the French for Medical Professionals track. Prerequisite: Fr 307D. Priority will be given to students who have not yet taken an In-Perspective course. This course satisfies the prerequisite for study abroad and upper 300-level courses. 3 units.