Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2019-2020 (archived)

Module FREN1041: SOCIETY AND ITS OUTSIDERS IN MODERN FRANCE

Department: Modern Languages and Cultures (French)

FREN1041: SOCIETY AND ITS OUTSIDERS IN MODERN FRANCE

Type Open Level 1 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2019/20 Module Cap 90 Location Durham

Prerequisites

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

Corequisites

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

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • The module seeks to introduce students to some of the main developments of twentieth-century French culture and society through a series of key texts and films.

Content

  • Covering a sixty-year period from the mid-1920s to the year 2000, the texts highlight the various changes which have marked the twentieth century in France: aesthetic, philosophical, and socio-cultural.
  • This module is taught and examined in French.
  • Four texts are prescribed for detailed study.
  • (The selection of texts is subject to change and revision).

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • Students will develop knowledge of French literature and culture.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • By the end of this module students should have improved reading skills in French and techniques of literary analysis.
Key Skills:
  • The development of general written communication skills.
  • Skills in the acquisition and interpretation of information through reading and research.
  • Ability to work independently.

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. The module will be taught and assessed in French. 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) 800 words 100% Yes
Component: Summative Essay Component Weighting: 25%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Summative Essay (Term 2) 1,200 words 100% Yes
Component: Written Examination Component Weighting: 60%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Written examination 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