This course surveys the singular career of Roland Barthes (1915-1980), whose writings include literary criticism and theory, semiotics, sociology, philosophy, psychoanalysis, cultural studies,
photography, autobiography, travelogue, and (last but not least) the writing of fiction. More than 40 years after his death, Barthes continues to influence contemporary French culture and, more generally, humanists and artists across the globe. What made Barthes so fascinating, both then and now?

Discussion in English, readings in French and English. The course is open to advanced undergraduates and students in MA/MAT/PhD programs.