Module FREN3371: Libertinage in Ancien Regime France

Department: Modern Languages and Cultures (French)

FREN3371: Libertinage in Ancien Regime France

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' programme: 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 introduce students to libertinage, a key element of culture an art in the French ancient regime.
• To examine representations of the libertine in the novel and theatre.
• To consider what critical perspectives are appropriate when analysing the depiction of sexual pleasure.

Content

• The following primary texts will be studied: Molière, Dom Juan; Diderot, Les Bijous indiscrets; Boyer d'Argens, Thérèse philosophe, Laclos, Les Liaisons dangereuses; Deslisle de Sales, Théâtre d’amour; Sade, Les Malheurs de la vertu

Learning Outcomes

• knowledge of significant French texts
• knowledge of a crucial period in French history and a key cultural element in that period
• knowledge of approaches to analysing texts depicting sexual pleasure, considering such questions as whether pornography can be treated as art and what depictions of sexual behaviour tell us about the society in which they were created

• development of critical skills - close reading of primary texts
• ability to relate texts judiciously to overarching themes
• ability to analyse imaginatively and rigorously relationships between literature, history and society
• ability to critique secondary material

• 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

• 2 essays: 1 at 2,000 words, one at 3,000 words
• Students will be asked to select a context area on which to give a group seminar presentation, which will form the basis of one of the summative essays.

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