From my early beginnings as a young introvert, the public library has always been a bit of a refuge. Years later, not much has changed, albeit with an additional affinity for endless hours spent scouring second-hand bookstores to add to my ever-growing “to-read” pile.
From one bookworm to another, this column will be underscoring and outlining various literary genres, authors, and recent reads and can serve as an introduction for those unfamiliar with these works, as a refresher for long-time aficionados, and maybe as an inspiration for readers to share their own suggested topics. Do you have a topic that you would like covered in this column? Feel free to contact me for an interview and a feature in an upcoming column.
Who
This week, we consider the works of notable French author Alexandre Dumas.
Dumas was born on July 24, 1802, in Villers-Cotterêts, Aisne, France and died December 5, 1870, Puys, France.
What
Some of Dumas’s well-known works include The Three Musketeers, The Count of Monte Cristo, and Twenty Years After.
Where
Dumas’s novels are set in a variety of geographical locations. However, most take place in France and The Netherlands.
When
These novels are predominantly set from the 17th to 19th centuries.
Why
Dumas’s texts may be of particular interest to students who enjoy literary fiction with a focus on adventure as a genre, as well as those who would like to contemplate several complex themes, such as revenge, loyalty, and friendship.
How
AU’s wide range of diverse courses make it easy to study this topic in depth. Courses related to the works of Alexandre Dumas are available in a variety of disciplines, including those that may fit into your Degree Works. (Always check with an AU counsellor to see if these particular courses fulfill your personal graduation requirements!)
AU students interested in learning more about this topic may enroll in ENGL 341: World Literature, a senior-level, six-credit course, which “introduces students to literature from around the world.” (Please note that this course requires ENGL 211: Prose Forms and ENGL 212: Poetry and Plays as prerequisites.)
Students may also be interested in FREN 421: Le roman français du 19e siècle, a senior-level, three-credit course, which “is designed for students who intend to major in French or to graduate in Education with French as a teaching subject.” In addition, this class is “vital to those who intend to pursue translation as a profession and those aspiring towards a higher degree (MA) in French Studies.” (This course requires FREN 358: Initiation à la littérature d’expression française I (or another third-year course in French Literature), as well as professor approval as a prerequisite.) Happy reading!