It is often said that contemporary French writers are less interested in politics than their elders and more interested in subtle plots and intricate story-telling. But we will see that these sophisticated writers also attempt to reflect the profound cultural mutation of contemporary France by addressing issues such as consumerism, ecology, feminism, European integration, globalization and immigration. Readings will include novels by Georges Perec, Marguerite Duras and Michel Tournier; short stories by J.M.G Le Clézio and poems by Yves Bonnefoy.