Module FREN3421: The fin-de-siècle: Symbolism and Decadence

Department: Modern Languages and Cultures (French)

FREN3421: The fin-de-siècle: Symbolism and Decadence

Prerequisites

• French Language 2 (FREN2051) plus one or more from: FREN2011, FREN2021, FREN2031, FREN2061 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) 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

• To explore the literature and visual art of late nineteenth-century France in its socio-cultural context, considering in particular the ways in which it was revolutionary;
• To examine the various legacies of Baudelaire’s ground-breaking work;
• To show how the literature and visual art of this period paved the way for modernism.

Content

• This module explores French literature and visual art of the late nineteenth century, a period of extraordinary artistic developments which were crucial to the advent of modernism in the early twentieth century.
• The Symbolist and Decadent movements can both be seen to emerge from the work of Charles Baudelaire, albeit in different ways: while Symbolism seeks a deeper spiritual truth through literature and art (as adumbrated by ‘Correspondances’), Decadence develops the dark and disturbing aspects of Baudelaire’s work (as represented by ‘Une charogne’, for example).
• As well as considering this literary heritage, the module will also examine the socio-cultural context of these movements. However, it will be based on close analysis of literature and visual art, with a broad range of works encompassing novels, short stories, plays, poetry and paintings.
• Through this analysis, the course will explore the various ways in which French literature and art were revolutionised in this period.

Learning Outcomes

• Critical knowledge and understanding of a range of texts and images, offering an insight into late nineteenth-century culture;
• A grounding in the social history of the early Third Republic of France;
• An understanding of how the late nineteenth century was crucial to the evolution of French literary and visual culture.

• Critical analysis and close readings of a variety of literary genres, as well as visual art;
• Ability to think across disciplines, drawing links between cultural material and social history.

• Critical and analytical thinking
• Essay-writing and oral presentation
• Structuring of arguments
• Independent learning and research

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

• Lectures and seminars; assessment will be by one summative commentary, one summative essay and an exam paper incorporating an essay and a commentary.
• These assessments reflect the intended learning outcomes, namely critical understanding of texts and images based on close reading, and a broader cultural awareness.
• Teaching will be in English, with the module capped according to School norms.

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