28686 - French literature I (second language) L

Learning outcomes

The student knows and understands the basic elements which characterize literature in the French language, she/he is able to identify them in specific literary texts, and she/he is able to develop independently, at a more advanced level, certain cultural and literary themes which can then be applied to other literary texts.

Course contents

The course examines from a literary and gendered perspective works belonging to different genres written by French and Francophone women authors. In particular, a collection of short stories, two novels – including one for young adults –, and a graphic novel will be analysed. After an introduction to the analysis of different types of fiction, the texts will be examined, both from a literary point of view - also looking at the peculiarities of the different genres - and from a gendered perspective. Particular attention will be paid to some relevant issues, such as gender roles and stereotypes in education; body and reproductive rights; LGBTQ+ and queer issues; interculturalism, discrimination and secularism from an intersectional viewpoint.

Readings/Bibliography

Fatou Diome (2001) La préférence nationale et autres nouvelles, Paris : Présence africaine.

Jacqueline Harpman (1996) Orlanda, Paris : Grasset.

Julie Maroh (2010) Le bleu est une couleur chaude, Grenoble : Glénat.

Marie-Aude Murail (2006) La fille du docteur Baudoin, Paris : l’école des loisirs, Médium.

Teaching methods

Attendance and participation are highly encouraged. During the lectures, only excerpts from the works included in course bibliography will be read, so students are required to read the assigned readings in advance. Some initial lectures will be followed by class discussions, in which active participation of and by the students is required. Individual reading work will be guided by the lecturer, who will provide reading ideas and further insights into the authors, works and themes covered, placing them in the context of existing literary criticism and gender studies (a selected bibliography will be provided during the course).

Assessment methods

The final exam will be an oral test. Students will be asked to answer questions about the authors and themes covered in the course, demonstrating that they have also mastered the theoretical and methodological tools presented and are able to add personal considerations and insights into the analysis of the texts discussed.

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

Material available on the e-learning page

Office hours

See the website of Roberta Pederzoli