This module is not currently running in 2023 to 2024.
This module is designed to introduce students to the range and variety of French literature by the close study of a number of short fictional texts from the 18th, 19th, 20th and 21st centuries. The authors studied use short fiction to explore a wide variety of themes: philosophical, political, and social questions will be examined as they are raised in each text. Students will undertake close readings of the primary texts and will make connections with broader political, social and cultural issues
Total Contact Hours: 20
Private Study Hours: 130
Total Study Hours: 150
Main assessment methods:
• Essay Plan (500 words) – 20%
• Essay (2,000 words) – 60%
• Screencast/Presentation – 20%
Reassessment method:
• Reassessment Instrument: 100% Coursework
Indicative Reading List
Aymé, M. (2008) [1943] Le Passe-muraille. Paris: Gallimard; (2012) The Man Who Walked Through Walls. London: Pushkin Press.
Balzac, Honoré de. [1831] 'Le Réquisitionnaire' / 'The Conscript' [any edition]
Beauvoir, S. de (1973) [1967] La Femme rompue. Paris: Gallimard; The Woman Destroyed [any edition].
Camus, A. (2013) [1957] L’Exil et le Royaume. Paris: Gallimard; (2006) Exile and the Kingdom: Stories [any edition]
Graffigny, F. de [1747] Lettres d’une Péruvienne [any edition]; Letters of a Peruvian Woman. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2009
Maupassant, Guy de. [1884] ‘La Parure’ / ‘The Necklace’; ‘Un Duel’ / ‘A Duel’ [any edition]
Sebbar, Leïla. (1996) La Jeune Fille au balcon. Paris: Seuil
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate an appreciation of the variety and richness of the French narrative tradition from the eighteenth century to the present day;
2. Demonstrate analytical skills for the study of structure, narrative technique and treatment of key themes in the French narrative fiction studied, and ability to evaluate and describe examples of French narrative fiction;
3. Demonstrate skills relating to close reading and evaluation of literary texts;
4. Plan and write an essay analysing cultural and historical questions as they are articulated in short narrative fiction.
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1. Communicate effectively;
2. Write cogent, well-constructed essays supported by textual evidence;
3. Reflect on their own learning, plan their use of time, and identify appropriate directions for further study;
4. Undertake independent research in the library collections and use appropriate academic databases online;
5. Present information orally in a structured and coherent manner
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