During the course we will read works of French writers describing family ties and we will examine the complexities of these relations: between mothers, fathers and children and between brothers and sisters.

We will start with texts from the 19th century (Sand, Balzac, Zola,Vallés, ) and then texts from the 20th century (Beauvoir, Romain Gary, Albert Cohen). We will then check the changes that occurred in the family since 1960. It seems that the concept of family, motherhood and parenting has seen enormous change: we will read theoretical texts on this issue as well as writers who confirm these new theories or challenge them. (Lydia Flemm, Marie Darieussecq, Marie NDiaye, Fanny Saintenoy).