Contemporary urban environments are characterized increasingly by demographic diversity and flux. Their cultures, often described as postmodern, are shaped by persons who often locate themselves on the socio-economic margins. Some of these persons are creating literary works that offer radically different images of Montreal and what it means to live here. Other writers, whose roots in this city may be older, are lending their voice to those who are on the margins—and in the process, redefining their own literary identity and reconstructing Montrealers’ self-understanding of their urban environment.

In this six-week course, we will be studying four novels—two originally published in French, two others originally in English—written by persons on the margins or whose protagonists situate themselves there. How do the protagonists in each of these novels give meaning to their struggles to survive? Where do they find the resources for healing broken dreams and for overcoming painful memories? How do these novelists position themselves in respect to the margins and in respect to an increasingly difficult to define centre? Are they addressing people on the social margins or are they writing for the “majority”? How are these writers developing a literary style and a vocabulary that stretch and transform our collective imagination and self-understanding?

Books to Purchase (will be available at Argo Bookshop during the weeks prior to the course beginning):

• • • Whore, Nelly Arcan
    • Lost in September, Kathleen Winter
    • Mãn, Kim Thúy

Please note that this course has a maximum enrollment of 18 students.

NEW PAYMENT POLICY: Participants must pay the course fees in order to be considered registered for the course. 

For fully registered courses, a waiting list will be created. Should vacancies develop, those on the waiting list will be contacted on a first-come, first-served basis.

Please note that we do not allow participants to audit courses for free.

Location: Zoom

First Session: Tuesday 17 January 2023

Course Length: 6 weeks, Tuesdays, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Discussion Team: Munirah Amra, Natalie Michaud

Degree Credit: 1.5 credits

Course Fee: 

$120.00 (standard tuition)
$80.00 (promotion for new students)

Administrative Fee:

$25.00

Total:

$145.00 (standard tuition)
$105.00 (promotion for new students)

NEW REFUND POLICY FOR 6-WEEK COURSES: Course fees are refundable in full before the first session. After the first session, a fee of $50 for the withdrawal will be applied. Refunds will not be issued after the second session. Please note that non-attendance does not constitute a withdrawal.

Students pursuing studies for credit are encouraged to consult with their advisers as they register for courses.

Course leaders, and students wishing to use credit vouchers, should call (514) 935-9585 to pay by phone or to schedule an appointment to pay in person.