The Origins of the Novel (FREN30012)
Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5Not available in 2017
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About this subject
Overview
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In this subject students will read a selection of novels in French (from the Middle Ages to 18th century) in order to understand the evolution of the French novel. They will have to analyse the narrative structures and demonstrate critical awareness of the social, political and ideological context of each novel. The subject will be taught in French.
Intended learning outcomes
On successful completion of this subject, students should:
- have gained an appreciation of academic French through the confident use of sophisticated oral and written French at level B2/C1 of the Common European Framework for Languages;
- have gained comprehensive knowledge of three specialized fields (Middle Ages, Renaissance and Siècle des Lumières) in at least one of the three core areas of French literature, linguistic and cultural (cinema) studies;
- have gained in-depth understanding of literary or linguistic methods used in the specialist fields of French Studies (eg close reading) as well as of general research and analytical skills;
- have additionally gained the capacity to engage in intercultural dialogue taking into consideration the diverse needs of the French Studies academic community;
- have learned to do self-directed small research projects in the field of French Studies and to locate and critically analyse pertinent research literature in both French and English;
- be able to proficiently employ learning and research technologies in French and English.
Generic skills
At the completion of this subject, students should:
- have developed research skills through frequent and systematic use of the library and other information sources, the definition of areas of inquiry and familiarisation with research methods;
- have developed critical thinking and analysis skills through required and recommended reading, essay writing and tutorial discussion, and by assessing the strength of arguments;
- be able to think in theoretical and analytical terms through lectures, tutorial discussion, essay writing and engagement in the methodologies of the humanities and social sciences;
- have an understanding of social, political, historical and cultural contexts and international awareness/openness to the world: through the contextualisation of judgements and knowledge, developing a critical self-awareness, being open to new ideas and new aspects of French culture, and by formulating arguments;
- be able to communicate knowledge intelligibly and economically: through essay and assignment writing, tutorial discussion and class presentations;
- have developed public speaking skills and confidence in self-expression: through tutorial participation and class presentations;
- have developed skills in written communication through essay and assignment preparation and writing;
- be able to pay attention to detail through close reading and textual analysis, essay preparation and writing, and examination revision;
- be able to time manage and plan through managing and organizing workloads for required and recommended reading, essay and assignment completion and revision for examinations.
Last updated: 14 March 2025