Module FREN3521: Literature and Cognition

Department: Modern Languages and Cultures (French)

FREN3521: Literature and Cognition

Prerequisites

• French Language 2 (FREN2051) OR an equivalent qualification to the satisfaction of the Chair of the Board of Studies in MLAC or their representative.

Corequisites

• Modern Languages, Combined Honours and all Joint and 'with' programmes: French Language 4 (FREN3041). Other: see Chair of the Board of Studies in MLAC or their representative

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• To introduce students to a range of cognitive approaches to literature
• To develop students’ skills in analysing French literary texts through judicious use of cognitive approaches
• To extend students’ understanding of interdisciplinary study at the interface of literature, science, and history

Content

• cognitive approaches to literature
• French literary texts (texts may be taken from any period of French literary history)
• cognition from an interdisciplinary perspective

Learning Outcomes

• By the end of this module, students will:
• understand in depth approaches in cognitive literary studies (for example, motor resonance and mindreading)
• understand in depth important French texts
• understand in depth the historical period of those texts

• By the end of this module, students will be able to:
• analyse texts through judicious use of cognitive literary approaches
• assess critically cognitive literary approaches
• combine judiciously the insights into cognition of literature, science, and history

• By the end of this module, students will be able to:
• analyse and critique written material
• structure arguments and write effective essays
• learn independently

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

• Lectures will communicate information about cognitive approaches and about particular literary texts and their historical contexts.
• Seminars will involve student-led discussion and presentations enabling students to practise the following: analysing texts; assessing cognitive approaches to texts; discussing (in relation to particular texts and contexts) interdisciplinary insights into cognition.
• Independent learning will include directed reading; preparing answers to questions for discussion in seminars; and preparing seminar presentations. These activities will enable students to extend their knowledge of cognitive approaches and of texts and contexts, and to practise the skills that will be further developed in the seminars themselves.
• Summative assessment will be through essays in which students analyse texts and critically assess cognitive approaches.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Formative work will include student presentations and student-led group discussions. No formal assessment of formative work.

■ 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