This course explores the tension between modernity and tradition in a range of fiction and non-fiction written in Quebec from the 19th century to the present day. Students will apply previous knowledge in literature, and their oral and written competences in French to the study of multiple literary genres including the novel, short story, essay and journalistic texts. Particular emphasis will be placed on extending attentive reading skills as ways of reflecting on texts and their relationship to gender, freedom, identity, space and history.