This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
This module, which covers the period from the 17th century to the First World War, examines through the study of relevant literary and other texts some of the major historical, cultural, social, political and literary movements of France and its colonies during this era. Close textual analysis will be combined with study of the texts' various contexts: the module encourages students to analyse cultural artefacts in connection with the historical, social and cultural contexts and discourses within which they were created. The choice of primary materials covers a wide variety of genres: letters, drama, fiction, political texts, travel writing. Students will learn to adopt critical strategies to analyse all of these sources, and to reflect on moments of major historical and cultural significance in the development of modern France. Events such as the French Revolution, the Paris Commune and the Dreyfus Affair will be analysed as they are represented in the chosen primary texts. Students will be encouraged to consider questions of national and other forms of identity in France and in the Francophone world more generally as they are mediated through cultural production, thinking through the stereotypes often used to characterise nations, their citizens/subjects and their history.
Total Contact Hours: 20
Private Study Hours: 130
Total Study Hours: 150
Main assessment methods
Critical Writing Exercise (500 words) – 20%
Screencast (15 minutes) – 20%
Essay (1,800 words) – 60%
Reassessment methods
Reassessment Instrument: 100% Coursework
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
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 a range of cultural products originating in France and the French-speaking world from the 17th, 18th, 19th and early 20th centuries (letters, plays, novels, political documents, travel writing);
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 Demonstrate skills relating to close reading and evaluation of literary texts and of images;
4 Plan and write an essay analysing cultural, historical and political questions as they are articulated in literary and cultural artefacts
5 Participate in discussion about cultural production and its contexts, make their own contributions to the discussion and listen to and respect the contributions of others;
6 Demonstrate their ability to communicate effectively.
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1 Demonstrate their ability to 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 using appropriate academic databases online.
5 Present information orally in a structured and coherent manner.
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.
