ROMST 335/ JAM 336/ FR 335/ RIGHTS 318 - Spring 2026
Is anyone free to speak hatred? MW 11:45-1:00
Prof. Helen Solterer
Critical history of free speech in French-speaking world in relation to the US, earliest debates and current controversies. Investigation of key concepts and issues: blasphemy, pornography, hate speech, sedition. Is this freedom absolute? Whose speech is censored? Whose 'unspoken?' Case studies & 'causes célèbres' include Voltaire, Rabelais, Sade, Céline, Camus, Djaout. Work culminating in debate around free press and fake news with North African journalists and human rights activists.