Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2007-2008 (archived)

Module FREN3191: WOMEN IN MOLIERE'S THEATRE AND SEVENTEENTH CENTURY FRENCH SOCIETY

Department: Modern Language and Cultures (French)

FREN3191: WOMEN IN MOLIERE'S THEATRE AND SEVENTEENTH CENTURY FRENCH SOCIETY

Type Open Level 3 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2007/08 Module Cap 30 Location Durham

Prerequisites

  • French Language 2 (FREN2051) or French Language 2 and Year Abroad (FREN2071) OR an equivalent qualification to the satisfaction of the Chairman/Chairwoman of the 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). Other: see Chairman/Chairwoman of the Board of Studies in MLAC or his/her representative.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • To examine a selection of Moliere's plays in the light of the role of women in society and the material conditions of the 17th century French stage.

Content

  • The following plays will be studied: Le Misanthrope, Les Precieuses ridicules, L'ecole des maris, L'ecole des femmes, La Critique de l'Ecole des femmes, L'impromptu de Versailles, Les Femmes savantes, George Dandin, Le Bourgeious gentilhomme, Tartuffe, Don Juan, Le Malade imaginaire.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • By the end of this module students should have an increased knowledge of seventeenth-century society and the role of women within it.
  • They should be familiar with the majority of Moliere's plays and be able to situate them with regard to their social, cultural and material context.
Subject-specific Skills:
    Key Skills:
    • Essay writing and linguistic skills.

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

    • The plays will be studied by means of weeklylectures and fortnightly seminars. Students will be required to select a context area on which to give a group seminar presentation. The module will be taught and assessed in English. 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 21 Weekly 1 hour 21
    Seminars 11 Fortnightly 1 hour 11
    Preparation and Reading 168
    Total 200

    Summative Assessment

    Component: Group Essay Component Weighting: 20%
    Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
    Group Essay 1000 words 100%
    Component: Essay Component Weighting: 30%
    Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
    Essay 1500 words 100%
    Component: Essay Component Weighting: 50%
    Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
    Essay 2500 words 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