This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
This module will explore the evolution of the notion of travel in modern French thought and literature by looking at a wide range of French travel writing in prose as well as poetry, essays, and travel diaries from the late 19th century to the late 20th century. The objective is to show how travel writing questions the relevance of myths about travel itself (often seen as a means to discover new worlds and to allow different cultures to blend) or about the other and otherworldliness. It is also to explore how the act of traveling and the act of writing can work together to cross borders linguistic, but also cultural and stylistic nature.
Total Contact Hours: 20
Private Study Hours: 130
Total Study Hours: 150
Main assessment methods
Essay (2,250 words) – 60%
Presentation (15 minutes) – 20%
Critical Writing Exercise (500 words) – 20%
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 a detailed and critical appreciation of a range of travel writing produced by French writers during the 19th and 20th century;
2 Demonstrate confident and coherent analytical skills for the study of structure, prose and poetic technique, the portrayal of travel and its critical connections to aspects of (post)modernity;
3 Accurately evaluate of literary texts by close reading of literary passages;
4 Demonstrate their ability to read French quickly, and to listen and understand spoken French accurately.
The intended generic learning outcomes. On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1 Demonstrate the ability to communicate information and arguments effectively and coherently;
2 Write cogent, well-constructed essays, developing sustained arguments, and supported by textual evidence;
3 Demonstrate the ability for self-managed learning in the preparation of further study;
4 Effectively and critically analyse cultural products, within the framework of sustained, evidence-based arguments.
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