Dr. Murphy's research explores the interactions between science, literature, and the arts in modern France, Haiti, and the Atlantic world. His work has appeared in artUS, SubStance, Épistémocritique, and Contemporary French and Francophone Studies/Sites. He has recently completed his first book, The Art and Science of the Electromagnetic Age, which examines how the discovery of electromagnetism in 1820 led to the emergence of a new model to conceptualize difference and relation that revolutionized scientific and artistic production during the nineteenth century. His next book project, Science after the Haitian Revolution, explores the legacy of the Haitian Revolution (1791-1804) in the modern conception, production, and representation of scientific knowledge.
keywords
19th c. French literature, science and literature, Haitian studies, Atlantic studies
FREN 1880 - The Zombie in History and Popular Culture
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Spring 2018 / Spring 2019 / Spring 2020 / Spring 2022 / Spring 2023
Discusses the emergence of the zombie figure in the Caribbean and its evolution from colonial Haiti to present-day popular culture having passed through Hollywood. Through movies and literary, historical, and scientific documents, students will study critically how this mass-media icon came to represent deep-rooted anxieties about the modern world.
FREN 3200 - Introduction to Literary Theory and Advanced Critical Analysis
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Spring 2019
Introduces important aspects of both classical and modern literary theory as an aid to reading and understanding literary texts. Covers theoretical works by figures ranging from Plato and Aristotle to modern French critics such as Barthes, Foucault, and Derrida in conjunction with selected literary works. Offers students more sophisticated means of understanding issues like gender, ethnicity, the roles of both author and reader in constructing meaning, the nature and functions of signs, and the relationship between literature and the larger society. Conducted in English, though French majors are required to read the texts in the original language. Required for students taking honors in French or Italian.
FREN 3500 - French Current Events: Conversation and Composition
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Fall 2019
For students who have spent fewer than four months in a French-speaking environment. Focuses on presentations, debates, discussions, readings and written work.
FREN 3700 - French-American Cultural Differences
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Fall 2022
Through readings, films, discussion and activities, students learn the defining values of their own country, those of France, and key differences between the two cultures. Taught in French.
FREN 4120 - French Special Topics
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Fall 2021
Topics vary each semester. Consult the online Schedule Planner for specific topics. See also FREN 4110.
FREN 4990 - Senior Seminar
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Fall 2021
Preparation of a 15-page research paper in French presented to two members of the department faculty and defended orally in class. Recommended prerequisite: at least one course numbered FREN 4100 or above and all third-year requirements and advisor consent.
FREN 5110 - French Special Topics
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Fall 2021
Different topics are offered and, in a number of cases, cross-listed with other departments. May be repeated up to 6 total credit hours on different topics.
FREN 5120 - French Special Topics
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Spring 2020 / Fall 2022
Different topics are offered and, in a number of cases, cross-listed with other departments. May be repeated up to 6 total credit hours on different topics.
FYSM 1000 - First Year Seminar
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Fall 2019
Provide first year students with an immersive experience in an interdisciplinary topic that addresses current issues including social, technical and global topics. Taught by faculty from across campus, the course provides students with an opportunity to interact in small classes, have project based learning experiences and gain valuable communication skills. Seminar style classes focused on discussion and projects.
HUMN 3093 - Topics in Humanities
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Spring 2022 / Spring 2023
Students should check with the department for specific semester offerings. May be repeated up to 12 total credit hours, provided the specific offerings vary.
