UNIVERSITY OF KENT
SECTION 1: MODULE SPECIFICATIONS
1. Title of the module FR332 – French Narratives: Love, Marriage and Politics (in translation)
2. School which will be responsible for management of the module SECL
3. Start date of the module 2007 – revised 2013
4. The number of students expected to take the module 20
5. Modules to be withdrawn on the introduction of this proposed module and consultation with other relevant Schools and Faculties regarding the withdrawal: N/A.
6. Level of the module C
7. The number of credits and ECTS value which the module represents 15 credits / 7.5 ECTS
8. Which term(s) the module is to be taught in (or other teaching pattern) Spring
9. Prerequisite and co-requisite modules
None.
10. The programme(s) of study to which the module contributes
French Single Honours, Joint Honours, and all related programmes.
11. The intended subject specific learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete the module will
1. appreciate the variety and richness of the French narrative tradition from the eighteenth century to the present day;
2. have developed an appreciation of the history of literature from the eighteenth to the twentieth century;
3. have developed their ability to critically analyse and describe fictional narratives;
4. have developed an appreciation of the ways in which politics can bear upon literary form;
5. appreciate some of the ways in which the literary and the non-literary intersect.
12. The intended generic learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete the module will have improved their ability to
1. participate in discussion, make their own contributions to the discussion and listen to and respect the contributions of others;
2. communicate effectively and work as part of a team;
3. write cogent, well-constructed essays supported by textual evidence;
4. give presentations, and run seminars independently;
5. reflect on their own learning, plan their use of time, and identify appropriate directions for further study;
6. synthesise and evaluate information from a number of sources (problem solving);
7. make effective use of information technology (e.g. word processing, library searches).
13. A synopsis of the curriculum
The module will explore the treatment of love, marriage and politics in examples of French narrative fiction from the eighteenth to the twentieth centuries. In addition to this thematic approach attention will be paid to the analysis of literary form, as well as to the use of literature to convey ideology. The extent to which historical context is relevant to analysis of the texts will also be examined. This module is taught and assessed in English and is available as a wild module.
14. Indicative Reading List
· Voltaire, Pearson Roger, Candide and other stories, Alfred A. Knopp London, 1992
· Constant, Benjamin, Tancock, Leonard W., Adolphe, Penguin 1964
· Maupassant, Guy de, Matthews, J. H., Short Stories (a selection to be specified by seminar leader), University of London Press, 1959
· Vercors, Brown, James W., Stokes, Lawrence D., The silence of the sea: le silence de la mer ; a novel of French resistance during World War II, Berg, 1991
· Camus, Albert, Ward, Matthew, The Stranger, Vintage International, 1989
· Ernaux, Annie, Leslie, Tanya, Shame, Seven Stories Press, 1998
· Bâ, So Long a Letter, Virago, 1982
15. Learning and Teaching Methods, including the nature and number of contact hours and the total study hours which will be expected of students, and how these relate to achievement of the intended learning outcomes
The module will be taught by means of a weekly two-hour class, for which discussion topics will be set in advance. The seminar will be conducted in English. Students will be asked to prepare short presentations and to contribute to general discussion. In doing so, they will develop their ability to analyse a variety of texts, be they historical or literary. They will also gain an appreciation of cultural diversity. The alternation of small-group and large-group discussion will give students confidence to formulate their own ideas and to share them with a larger group. (learning outcomes 11.1-5; 12.1, 2, 4, 6)
Time will also be made available for supervision and discussion of essays. (learning outcomes 11.1-5; 12.3, 5, 6).
Total contact hours: 20
Total notional study hours 150.
16. Assessment methods and how these relate to testing achievement of the intended learning outcomes
The final mark for the module will be based on the following elements (60% coursework, 40% examination):
· Essay (1500 words): 40%
· Oral presentation: 20%
· Examination (summer term - two hours): 40%
The essay will be based on reading and analysis of both primary and secondary texts. (learning outcomes 11.1-5, 12.3, 5, 6, 7).
Feedback on the essay will be provided in week 21 well in advance of the exam.
Students will also be required to give one oral presentation of approximately fifteen minutes. (learning outcomes 11.1-5; 12.1, 2, 4, 6).
17. Implications for learning resources, including staff, library, IT and space
None.
18. The School recognises and has embedded the expectations of current disability equality legislation, and supports students with a declared disability or special educational need in its teaching. Within this module we will make reasonable adjustments wherever necessary, including additional or substitute materials, teaching modes or assessment methods for students who have declared and discussed their learning support needs. Arrangements for students with declared disabilities will be made on an individual basis, in consultation with the University’s disability/dyslexiasupport service, and specialist support will be provided where needed.
19. Campus(es) where module will be delivered[1]
Canterbury.
3
[1] Required for information purposes only. Changes of campus will not require re-approval of the module specification.