Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2019-2020 (archived)

Module FREN1031: READING FRENCH LITERATURE

Department: Modern Languages and Cultures (French)

FREN1031: READING FRENCH LITERATURE

Type Open Level 1 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2019/20 Module Cap Location Durham

Prerequisites

  • Grade A in French at A level or an equivalent qualification

Corequisites

  • Modern European Languages, Combined Honours and all Joint and 'with' programmes: French Language 1 (FREN1011). Others: see Chairman/Chairwoman of the Board of Studies in MLAC or his/her representative.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • Through the study of representative works drawn from different periods of French literature, the principal aims of the course are: to introduce students to the art and methods of reading and interpreting texts belonging to the standard generic types (poetry, theatre, fiction).
  • to introduce students to the practice of close reading of literary texts through the exercise of literary commentary.

Content

  • Through the study of representative works drawn from different periods of French Literature, the module will introduce students to the art and methods of reading and interpreting texts belonging to the standard generic types (poetry, theatre, fiction).
  • Students will practice close reading of literary texts through the exercise of literary commentary.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • Students will develop knowledge of different periods and genres of French literature.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • Students will improve skills in reading French and in analysing literary texts.
Key Skills:
  • The development of general written and oral communication skills.
  • Skills in the acquisition and interpretation of information through reading and research.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • This module is taught by means of a weekly lecture and fortnightly seminar. Students are required to attend all lectures and seminars and are expected to prepare themselves for classes and participate actively in discussions.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 20 Weekly 1 Hour 20
Seminars 10 Fortnightly 1 Hour 10
Preparation and Reading 170
Total 200

Summative Assessment

Component: Commentary Component Weighting: 15%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Commentary (Term 1) 1,000 words 100% Yes
Component: Summative Essay Component Weighting: 25%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Summative Essay (Term 2) 1,500 words 100% Yes
Component: Written Examination Component Weighting: 60%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Examination consisting of one essay and one commentary 2 hours 100% Yes

Formative Assessment:

None


Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University