Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2007-2008 (archived)

Module FREN1041: LITERATURE AND CULTURE IN MODERN FRANCE

Department: Modern Language and Cultures (French)

FREN1041: LITERATURE AND CULTURE IN MODERN FRANCE

Type Open Level 1 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2007/08 Module Cap None. Location Durham

Prerequisites

  • B in French at A level (or its equivalent).

Corequisites

  • French Language 1 (I) (FREN1011).

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:
  • Skills in written argument and presentation.

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 three-weekly 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 1 Weekly 1 Hour 21
Seminars 1 Fortnightly 1 Hour 10
Preparation and Reading 169
Total 200

Summative Assessment

Component: Commentary Component Weighting: 15%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Commentary (Term 1) 800 words 100%
Component: Essay Component Weighting: 25%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Essay (Term 2) 1200 words 100%
Component: Examination Component Weighting: 60%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Written examination 2 hours 100%

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