Nineteenth Century French Narrative
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| MLAC2074 | Modern Languages and Cultures | 2 | 10 | Spring UK |
- Code
- MLAC2074
- School
- Modern Languages and Cultures
- Level
- 2
- Credits
- 10
- Semesters
- Spring UK
Summary
This module provides an introduction to short narrative in the nineteenth century. It invites students to consider how texts combine literary craftsmanship with an effort to represent, understand and engage with the political, cultural and physical world beyond the page. The module takes in a range of different short narrative texts, including Balzac's Sarrasine, Sand's Pauline, and Proust's - 'Combray'. Through these texts, you will also be introduced to a range of reading techniques and critical theory, helping you develop your skills in critical reading and academic writing.
Target Students
Available to SH and JH UG students taking French as part of their plan, including post-beginners taking MLAC2145.Available to Liberal Arts and subsidiary students who have taken MLAC1150.
Co-requisites
Modules you must take in the same academic year, or have taken in a previous year, to enrol in this module:
Classes
- One 2-hour workshop each week for 12 weeks
- One 1-hour lecture each week for 12 weeks
Activities may take place every teaching week of the Semester or only in specified weeks. It is usually specified above if an activity only takes place in some weeks of a Semester. The School of Cultures, Languages and Area Studies operates an attendance policy. The details of this policy can be found in the student handbook on Workspace and in module handbooks.
Assessment
- 100% Exam 1 (1-hour-30-minute)
Assessed by end of spring semester
Educational Aims
To gain detailed knowledge of a small corpus of formally interesting texts written in the nineteenth century. To gain awareness of the ways in which nineteenth-century writers exploit contemporary social, cultural, and political concerns to engage readers with literature. To promote interest in and ability to analyse narrative technique and literary devices. To explore subtle meanings in literary texts using the insights of philosophy and thoughtLearning Outcomes
A. Knowledge and understanding:
Sophisticated analytical grasp of the relation between thematic content and formal conventions and devices in nineteenth-century texts (A5).
Increased awareness of narrative structures and narrative technique (A5).
B. Intellectual skills:
Ability to analyse complex literary texts (B1).
Accurate reading of primary and secondary material with attention to detail (B1).
Ability to engage with critical debates and interpretations (B2).
Ability to formulate and defend arguments orally and in writing (B6).
C. Professional skills:
Reading and critical evaluation of sophisticated texts in French (C1, C3).
Commentary writing techniques (C4, C6).
Examination essay question techniques (C3, C4).
Ability to write persuasively and accurately (C3).
Independent work on primary and secondary source materials (C5).
Use of library and internet resources (C5).
D. Transferable/employability skills:
Oral and written communication skills (D1).
Critical evaluation of texts (D2).
Independent study (D4).
Performance under pressure in examinations (D6).
Time management (D6, D7).
Appropriate participation in group discussion (D10).
Constructive self-criticism (D4, D9).