The Marquis de Sade

Course:  English 300, Section 99    Instructor:  Randy Francka

        Overview

Why is so much attention given to the Marquis de Sade?  Some dismiss his work as vulgar rubbish, while others think of the Marquis as a neurotic pornographer.  And yet others read his works and study his life, and find a brilliant, misunderstood philosopher.  In this course, we will read about de Sade and read a couple of his most infamous novels. His letters--most from a Parisian prison--will give us further insight into why he wrote what he did. Did he have a purpose? If so, was it accomplished?  What do French and American scholars have to contribute?   

For more information, see course syllabus.  

  Syllabus

  Assignments

  Portrait  

  Links

  Bibliography and downloadable biographical information