This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
This module is designed to introduce students to the range and variety of French and Francophone literary texts by the close study of short texts from French-speaking contexts which may include Algeria, Burundi, France and Martinique. Texts will range from the 18th through to the 21st centuries. The authors studied use fiction, memoir or political documents to explore a wide variety of themes. Students will undertake close readings of the primary texts and will make connections with broader political, social, philosophical and cultural issues, including for instance questions of identity, colonisation and decolonisation, gender, and civil rights.
Private Study: 130
Contact Hours: 20
Total: 150
Main assessment methods
Written assignment (1,000 word equivalent) 35%
Essay (2,000 words) 65%
Reassessment methods
100% coursework (2,000 words essay)
The University is committed to ensuring that core reading materials are in accessible electronic format in line with the Kent Inclusive Practices.
The most up to date reading list for each module can be found on the university's reading list pages: https://kent.rl.talis.com/index.html
Indicative reading list
Camus, A. (2013) [1957] L'Exil et le Royaume. Paris: Gallimard; / (2006) Exile and the Kingdom: Stories [any edition]
Chamoiseau, P. (2017) Frères migrants. Paris: Seuil. / (2018) Migrant Brothers: A Poet’s Declaration of Human Dignity, translated by Matthew Amos & Fredrik Rönnbäck. New Haven: Yale University Press.
De Gouges, Olympe. (1790). La Nécessité du Divorce. Available online in translation at https://www.olympedegouges.eu/le_divorce.php
Faye, Gaël. (2016) Petit pays. Paris: Livre de poche / (2018) Small Country, translated by Sarah Ardizzone. London: Hogarth
Sebbar, Leïla. (1996) La Jeune Fille au balcon. Paris: Seuil [translations will be made available in class]
Zola, Emile (2003) [1898]. J'Accuse ! et autres textes sur l'affaire Dreyfus. Paris: Librio ; (1998) The Dreyfus Affair: "J'Accuse!" and Other Writings by Zola. New Haven: Yale University Press.
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1 Demonstrate an appreciation of a range of textual products in French from the 18th to 21st centuries (including literary fiction, political documents, and memoirs)
2 Demonstrate analytical skills for the study of literary texts in a variety of genres, and for linking cultural products to their social, historical and political contexts;
3 Plan and write an essay analysing cultural, historical and political questions as they are articulated in literary and cultural artefacts
4 Participate in discussion about cultural production and its contexts
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1 Communicate effectively, presenting information in a structured and coherent manner;
2. Analyse primary materials, using up-to-date scholarship and relating works to the relevant socio-historical context;
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;
5 Demonstrate critical thinking skills.
University of Kent makes every effort to ensure that module information is accurate for the relevant academic session and to provide educational services as described. However, courses, services and other matters may be subject to change. Please read our full disclaimer.
