Module FREN3261: THE FANTASTIC IN FRENCH FILM AND LITERATURE

Department: MODERN LANGUAGES AND CULTURES (FRENCH)

FREN3261: THE FANTASTIC IN FRENCH FILM AND LITERATURE

Prerequisites

• French Language 2 (FREN2051 or FREN2071) or an equivalent qualification to the satisfaction of Chairman/woman of Board of Studies in MLAC or his/her representative.

Corequisites

• Modern European Languages, Combined Honours and all Joint and 'with' programmes: French Language 4 (FREN3041). Others: see Chairman/woman of Board of Studies in MLAC or his/her representative.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• To introduce students to a representative corpus of literary and theoretical texts and films which exemplify and define the fantastic as a genre.
• To explore comparative approaches to different genres of the fantastic and to study representative modern films and texts by French directors and authors.

Content

• This module introduces students to a representative corpus of literary and theoretical texts and films which exemplify and define the fantastic as a genre.
• The programme will vary according to the availability of material.
• Typically, in term one, we will study theoretical essays by Freud and Todorov, literary texts such as The Sandman, Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, and Dracula, and related films.
• In the second term, we will study some short texts by French writers (e.g. Gautier, Maupassant, Ayme), as well as two French novelists (e.g. Barjavel, Le Voyageur imprudent, Tournier, Vendredi et les limbes du Pacifique) and two French films (e.g. Cocteau's La Belle et la Bete and Clouzot's Les Diaboliques).

Learning Outcomes

• Participants should acquire a good understanding of the aesthetic and psychological features that underpin the fantastic, as well as first-hand knowledge of selected works and films by major authors and directors.

• Students will extend their research skills and independent learning as well as their competence in using the French language by working on individual projects assessed by a summative essay in French.

• They will develop their skills in critical interpretation by undertaking close analysis of literary and theoretical texts and films, through written exercises and classroom discussion.

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

• In term one, the weekly seminar programme will introduce students to the theory and history of the fantastic in a European context from the Romantic period to the present, by detailed study of key extracts from the authors in the programme.
• Given the comparative approach, all teaching and assessment of this strand will take place in English.
• Three tutorials will allow participants to follow up specific topics in more detail and to prepare a formative essay.
• In term two, the weekly seminar programme will focus on close study of literary texts from the 19th and 20th centuries and films by French authors and directors.
• Three tutorials will allow participants to study particular topics in more depth and to prepare a summative essay written in French and submitted by the end of term.
• Teaching will normally be in French during the second term.
• In term three, there will be revision sessions directed towards examination questions, with a formative assignment (commentary in English).

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

One essay and one commentary (in English). Essay plan (in French).

■ 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