Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2010-2011 (archived)

Module FREN3231: THE ROMANCE OF THE GRAIL

Department: Modern Language and Cultures (French)

FREN3231: THE ROMANCE OF THE GRAIL

Type Open Level 3 Credits 20 Availability Not available in 2010/11 Module Cap 30 Location Durham

Prerequisites

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

Corequisites

  • Modern Languages, Combined Honours and all Joint and 'with' programmes: French Language 4 (FREN3041) or French Language 4 following Year Abroad (FREN3351). Other: see Chairman/Chairwoman of the Board of Studies in MLAC or his/her representative

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None

Aims

  • The module seeks to examine the development of one of the most enduring of European myths and its relevance to the knowledge and appreciation of subsequent cultural manifestations.

Content

  • Two medieval texts, typically Chretien de Troyes' Perceval, La Queste del Saint Graal.
  • Two modern texts, typically Tennyson, Idylls of the King, Jacques Roubaud, Graal-Theatre.
  • A selection of films: e.g. Eric Rohmer's Perceval, Terry Gilliam’s The Fisher King.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • Using a broad range of material, including film, students will address the myth of the Grail from a number of perspectives.
  • Students will develop an understanding and appreciation of medieval texts and how to respond to the cultural heritage embedded in more modern works, including film.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • Development of critical skills - close reading of primary texts
  • Ability to relate texts judiciously to overarching themes of rewriting and reinterpretation
  • Ability to analyse imaginatively and rigorously relationships between literature and film
  • Ability to critique secondary material
Key Skills:
  • Critical and analytical
  • essay-writing and commentary
  • structuring of arguments
  • independent learning

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

  • Lectures, Seminars, Preparation, Reading, Summative Essays and Examination

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
lectures 21 weekly 1 hour 21
seminars 10 fortnightly 1 hour 10
Preparation and Reading 169
Total 200

Summative Assessment

Component: Written Examination Component Weighting: 50%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Written Examination 2 hours 100% No
Component: Summative Essay 1 Component Weighting: 20%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Summative Essay 1 1,200 words 100% No
Component: Summative Essay 2 Component Weighting: 30%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Summative Essay 2 1,800 words 100% No

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