Literature & Languages A la rencontre des Français: Au-delà des stéréotypes
Eco-poetry: Witness to Nature N PERSON: The ecotheologian Thomas Berry writes, “The Great Work, as we move into a new millennium, is to carry out the transition from a period of human devastation . . . to a period when humans would be present to the planet in a mutually beneficial manner.” In “deep ecology” poetry of the 20th and 21st centuries, poets present their specific visions of beauty, barbarity, and the fragility of our planet. In our in-person discussions, we focus on specific topics: poet as witness, nature through time, the water, the land, the air, progress, and peril. Each student will select poems from the syllabus and will share thoughts about them with the class. We will then open the conversation to allow discussion of the insights—poetic, psychological—that each of us bring from our study and experience. The facilitator will contribute short introductory talks and take part at times to amplify discussions. • Facilitated discussion.
ONLINE: The Frenchman holding a baguette and wearing a beret and the Frenchwoman being snobbish are stereotypes that are not true representations of French people. What are French people like today, and how did they become that way? This online course, taught entirely in French, will use an approach that compares the French way of thinking and its culture to the American way of thinking and its culture. To understand the French better, North American students must—and our course will—learn about the unconscious conceptions that the French hold about time, space, human nature, and the body. It is hoped that by the end of the course participants will gain an understanding of the French culture and understand their own culture better. • Facilitated discussion. Please note: A high-intermediate level of French competency or higher is recommended. Students will need to access the instructor website and other websites. The textbook, which is a great resource, is recommended, but the instructor will provide handouts and other documents.
Please note: The book to be acquired is the 2020 edition. Required text: • Ann Fisher-Wirth and Laura-Gray Street, The Ecopoetry Anthology, 2020 ed. (9781595349293)
Recommended text: • Julie Fette, Jean-François Brière, et. al., Les Français, 4th ed. (9781585109906)
Jane Seitel is an expressive arts therapist, writer, and teacher. She received a Master of Education from Lesley University and an MFA from Drew University in poetry. For decades, she has been a student of ecology and nature literature. She studied marine biology as an undergraduate at the University of Miami, and has been active in advocating for the preservation of species and habitat. Her nature poetry has been featured in numerous journals. She has taught more than 10 OLLI poetry courses.
Claire Davidshofer, a native of France, has lived in Africa, France, England, and Maine. She has an MA in English and American literature from L’Universite d’Aix-en-Provence. Her experience includes teaching high school, adult education, and college French at the University of Maine at Presque Isle, as well as translating and interpreting. So far, she has taught 18 different courses at OLLI.
• 10 Thu, Jan 27-Mar 31, 1:30-2:45pm • Online via Zoom • Maximum: 30; Fee: $100; Course ID: 3328
• 8 Wed, Feb 09-Mar 30, 11:00am-12:30pm • In person at Judea Reform Congregation, Durham • Maximum: 12; Fee: $100; Course ID: 3338 25
