Key facts

UNE unit code: FREN306

*You are viewing the 2024 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.

Start
  • Not offered in 2024
24/7 online support
  • Yes
Intensive schools
  • No
Supervised exam
  • No
Credit points
  • 6

Unit information

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The role of women in France has changed over time and French literature, like all literature, reflects their society’s values and beliefs.

When studying this unit you will focus on representations of women in French literature from the Middle Ages to the 20th century, situating texts within their historical, cultural, political and social context.

You will use your advanced French language skills to conduct a close textual analysis of the prescribed works and extend your reading and writing skills to a high level.

In this unit you will be introduced to important French literary movements and discuss their critical reception by the scholarly community.

Because the unit spans a broad time period, it provides you with a global view of women in literature whilst also allowing close analysis of relationships and connections between the specific texts and authors studied.

This unit will enhance your understanding of French culture.

Intensive schools

There are no intensive schools required for this unit.

Enrolment rules

Co-requisites
FREN301 or FREN350 or equivalent
Restrictions
FREN290 or FREN390 or FREN406 or FREN490 or FREN506

Notes

Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.

Unit coordinator(s)

Sophie Patrick

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. critically analyse selected French and/or Francophone literary works;
  2. analyse and evaluate the depiction of women in French texts according to the socio-political context in which the works were conceived;
  3. critically analyse the narrative devices and themes in the prescribed texts as they relate to the portrayal of women;
  4. apply advanced-level comprehension skills to the reading of French and/or Francophone texts; and
  5. demonstrate competence and accuracy in writing in French about complex aesthetic, historical, etc. issues relating to literary texts.

Assessment information

Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.

TitleMust CompleteWeightOfferingsAssessment Notes
Essay and Textual AnalysisYes50%All offerings

Essay in French and textual analysis in French or English.

No. Words: 2500 (equivalent)

Online ParticipationNo10%All offerings

Structured online participation in French

No. Words: 600 (equivalent)

Take Home ExamYes40%All offerings

Open-book essay written in French or English, on at least two of the texts covered in the unit.

No. Words: 2000 (equivalent)

Learning resources

Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.

Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.

Truismes

ISBN: 9782070403073

Darrieussecq, M., Gallimard Folio 2nd ed. 1998

Note: All other paper editions, in the original French, are also acceptable.

Text refers to:

The Book of the City of Ladies

ISBN: 9780140446890

de Pizan, C., and Brown-Grant, R., Penguin 2000

Text refers to:

Phedre

ISBN: 9782070414031

Racine, J., Editions Larousse

Note: The Folio edition of this text (ISBN: 9782070466665) is acceptable. Other versions are also acceptable. Public domain versions available for free on abu.cnam.fr. Paper version needed if students wish to take into the examination.

Text refers to:

Note: Recommended material is held in the University Library — purchase is optional.

French Literature: A Very Short Introduction

ISBN: 9780199568727

Lyons, J.D., Oxford University Press 2010

Text refers to:

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