96704 - French Literature and Culture

Learning outcomes

The student- knows the core features (contents, methods and instruments) necessary for the in-depth analysis of French culture and literature; s/he is able to apply this knowledge when tackling a range of semiotically challenging texts; s/he is able to acquire higher-level cultural and literary knowledge and competences independently, and to apply them to a wide range of novel texts.

Course contents

The course aims to explore the modernity and power of the mythological figure of Antigone, considered a figure of “resistance”: resistance of a female voice, resistance to tyranny, to unjust laws, to war. The mythological character, who faces the tragic succession of events in apparent solitude and makes her stubbornness and freedom the focal points against the power embodied by Creon, has always fascinated readers, spectators and artists. During the course, we will analyse some French and Francophone adaptations of the myth of Antigone from the 20th and 21st centuries, covering various literary genres: novels in particular, but also diaries and short stories. In the various contemporary adaptations that will be analysed, Antigone becomes a character who enables the birth of theatre, reflects on intercultural and intergenerational differences, and allows a temporary pause in the bloody war in Lebanon. The reflection on the current Francophone Antigone(s) will also extend to the world of cinema.

Readings/Bibliography

Henry Bauchau, Antigone, published by J'Ai LU.

Sorj Chalandon, Le quatrième mur, published by Le Livre de Poche.

Asya Djoulaït, Ibn, published by Grasset et Fasquelle. (if a pocket-sized version is published, we will adopt that one)

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.

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