FREN311

Rimbaud dans Paris. 1978. Ernest Pignon-Ernest.

Instructor: Dr. Isabella Huberman

This course provides a general introduction to French and Francophone literatures of different periods and genres (novel, short story, autobiography, theatre, poetry, essay). We will be guided by the overall theme “(Re)lire le canon,” (Re)reading the canon. Canonical French literature and the classical forms of genres will be read alongside Francophone literatures of the “margins” and texts that blur the definitions of genres. Emphasis will be placed on methods of literary analysis with the goal of helping students to improve their abilities in close reading and interpretation, skills that form the basis of the discipline of literary studies. To that end, we will concentrate on intensive readings of excerpts of texts rather than readings of full-length works. Among the questions to be explored are: How does one analyze rhetorical devices in literary texts? How do form and content relate to the overall theme of a text? What are the conventional traits of a given genre and how are these traits subverted? This course will equip you with the tools and concepts necessary to pursue your studies of literature and will broaden your knowledge of French and Francophone literatures. Class will be conducted in French.

Grading Breakdown:

Participation 15 %
2 Tests 2 x 20 %
Activités d’analyse
en équipes 2 x 5%
Podcast poésie 15 %
Analyse finale 20 %

*This information is subject to change

Readings:

A selection of excerpts of novels, plays, poetry and essays. All required learning materials will be available on Canvas.

Instructor: Dr. Antje Ziethen

The goal of this course is to study notable examples of French literature through different periods (18^th-21^st century) and literary genres (fairy tale, short story, poetry, theater, graphic novel). In this course, students will study four works of fiction: La Belle et la bête by Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont (1740), Le Horla by Guy de Maupassant (1887), La Cantatrice chauve by Eugène Ionesco (1950), and Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi (2007). In addition, students will be introduced to French poetry. Emphasis is put on close, intensive readings of representative texts rather than extensive readings. This course aims to equip students with the tools and concepts necessary to pursue their studies of literature. They will be guided through different strategies for the active analysis of each work’s themes, structure, and style. Class will be conducted in French.

Grading Breakdown:

In-class Participation 15%
CLAS (Collaborative Annotation Online) 25%
2 Exams 50%
Recording 10%

Readings:

Bookstore:

• Eugene Ionesco, La Cantatrice chauve suivi de La Leçon, Gallimard, ISBN 9782070362363

Canvas:

• Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont, La Belle et la bête
• Guy de Maupassant, Le Horla
• Marjane Satrapi, Persepolis
• Poems