28686 - French literature I (second language) L

Learning outcomes

The student knows the basic elements of French literary civilisation, is able to identify them in specific literary texts, is able to independently elaborate further knowledge and cultural-literary skills at a higher level and also apply them to other specific literary texts

Course contents

Writing, Testimony and History


The course intends to follow a reading path through texts of literature of the French and Francophone extreme contemporaries, searching, in particular in the novel genre, for the links that are often interwoven between writing, testimony and the narration of particular historical events. During the course, knowledge will thus be deepened in particular of three texts within which writers reflect on the idea of testimony, on the links between writing and the mnemonic elaboration of trauma, and on the concept of colonialism and post-colonialism. The links that individual texts may have with other languages, such as film, will also be explored.

Readings/Bibliography

During the lectures, passages from the following texts will be read (which students must then read in full for the exam):

- Nancy Huston, Leila Sebbar, Lettres parisiennes. Histoires d'exil, Paris, J'ai lu. (It is not necessary to buy this text as only selected passages will be read)

 

- Nancy Huston, L'empreinte de l'ange, Paris, J'ai lu, no. 5966.

 

- Didier Daeninkx, Meurtres pour mémoire, Paris, Folio Policier no. 15.

Teaching methods

During the course, compulsory attendance and active participation on the part of students is required. The texts will also be analysed and deepened on the basis of their input and reflections.

Assessment methods

The exam will consist of an oral test during which students will be asked to add personal considerations and ideas for the analysis of the texts covered, as well as to draw thematic, linguistic and stylistic links between the works analysed.

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, in addition to the analysis of the texts, there will be power point presentations (published on the e-learning platform) of the authors and the literary context in which they write. The teacher's analysis of the texts will be enriched by existing literary criticism of which bibliographical references will be provided.

Office hours

See the website of Chiara Elefante