Module FREN3171: FRENCH ANTHROPOLOGY & LITERATURE

Department: Modern Language and Cultures (French)

FREN3171: FRENCH ANTHROPOLOGY & LITERATURE

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 provide an introduction to the writings of a number of French anthropologists considered in their literary dimensions and, within an interdisciplinary perspective, to develop an understanding of the debates that have arisen from the cross-fertilisation between literature and anthropology.

Content

• The module will examine the literary dimension of ethnographic writing, in particular the description of the ethnographic journey, considering such issues as: How does one write about 'being there'? What role does the 'self' play in ethnographic description? What rhetorical devices does the anthropologist use to convince the reader of the authenticity of his/her experience? Two core works will be studied: Claude Levi-Strauss, 'Tristes tropiques', and Michel Leiris, 'L'Afrique fantome'.
• Texts will also be selected from an open list of more recent ethnographic writings, including George Balandier, 'L'Afrique ambique', and Jacques Lizot, 'Le Cercle des feux'.
• The course will now combine two complementary approaches to the study of the relationship between anthropology and literature. The first half, taught by Dr Wiseman, will be concerned with anthropology as 'literature' (ie as a form of writing). The second half, taught by Professor Baguley, will be concerned with literature as a form of anthropology.
• The module is taught in English.

Learning Outcomes

• Students will have an understanding of a number of works by French anthropologists considered from the point of view of the problem of writing and, within an interdisciplinary perspective, will have developed an understanding of the debates that have arisen in contemporary thought around the question of how to write about the ethnographic experience.

• This course aims to develop skills in critical reading and the ability to write about texts and discuss them at an advanced level of understanding.

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 seminar. Students are required to attend all seminars, to complete preparatory work as instructed and to participate actively in discussions. The module is taught and examined in English. No prior knowledge of anthropology is required.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

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