B2617 - Literature of French-Speaking Countries (Second Language) II

Learning outcomes

At the end of the module, students will know the fundamental elements (content, methods and tools) for analysing French literary civilisation; they will be able to use them on specific literary texts; they will be able to independently develop further cultural and literary knowledge and skills at a higher level and apply them to a wide range of other specific literary texts.

Course contents

The course aims to explore the genre of the letter, a literary form characterised by a profound harmony between voices and the written word. Whether the literary text features two or more voices engaged in dialogue, or a single voice addressing hypothetical or multiple recipients, the epistolary text is characterised by a profound harmony and closeness between the written and spoken forms of language. During the course, we will analyse contemporary French-language literary texts that offer insights into highly topical issues: ranging from historical narratives set against the backdrop of the Second World War to themes of self-imposed exile and religious radicalism. Throughout the course, these themes will also be examined through the lens of cinema, with screenings of films and theatre productions that explore questions similar to those raised in the literary texts.

Readings/Bibliography

Hélène Grémillon, Le confident, éd. Folio.

Rachid Benzine, Lettres à Nour, éd. Points.

Nancy Huston, Leïla Sebbar, Lettres parisiennes, éd. J'ai Lu

Teaching methods

During the course, only some passages of the novels will be read; the other parts will be individually read by students. Students will participate actively during text analysis.

Assessment methods

Only some excerpts from the required readings will be read in class; the remaining parts will be assigned as individual homework reading. Individual reading will be guided by suggestions and questions made available on the e-learning site Moodle. Textual analysis requires the active participation of students.

It is strictly forbidden to use AI during the exam. Any violation of this rule will be considered a serious breach of academic ethics.

Students with specific learning difficulties (SpLD) or with disabilities that can affect their ability to attend courses are invited to contact theUniversity service for students with disabilities and SLD at the earliest opportunity -- ideally before the start of the course:https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students. The University service will suggest possible adjustments to the course work and/or exam, which must then be submitted to the course leader so they can assess their feasibility, in line with the learning objectives of the course. Please note that adjustments to the exam must be requested at least two weeks in advance.

Evaluation grid

30-30L excellent test that demonstrates very broad, thorough and in-depth knowledge of the subject matter, a solid ability to apply theoretical concepts and an excellent command of exposition, as well as an excellent capacity for analysis, synthesis and elaboration of interdisciplinary connections

27-29 above average test that demonstrates precise and thorough knowledge of the subject matter, good ability to apply theoretical concepts, and capacity for analysis and synthesis, accurate and correct exposition

24-26 good test that demonstrates appropriate knowledge of the subject matter, a fair understanding of the application of theoretical concepts, and an articulate presentation of the subject matter

21-23 adequate test that demonstrates appropriate but not in-depth knowledge of the subject, only partial capacity to apply theoretical concepts, and an acceptable presentation of the content

18-20 barely sufficient test that demonstrates adequate but general knowledge of the subject matter, simple exposition, uncertainties in the application of theoretical concepts

Insufficient test that does not demonstrate adequate acquisition of knowledge of the subject matter that is fragmentary and superficial, with errors in the application of concepts, and poor exposition

Teaching tools

During the course, some power point presentations of the authors and of their historical context will be offered. They will also be available on our e-learning platform, IOL. The analysis of texts will be always enriched with existing literary criticism.

Office hours

See the website of Chiara Elefante