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2015/16 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

FREN3780 Symbolism and Decadence: French Literature in the Fin de Siècle

20 creditsClass Size: 12

Module manager: Dr Richard Hibbitt
Email: R.Hibbitt@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2015/16

Pre-requisite qualifications

Successful completion of Level 2 French or at the discretion of the Module Leader

Module replaces

FREN3320 Reading Poetry

This module is approved as a discovery module

Module summary

French literature during the fin de siècle is characterized both by overlapping artistic movements and by ongoing debate about the moral and political obligations of the writer. This module examines two of the movements which developed partly as a reaction against Naturalism and Parnassianism, and partly as their continuation: Symbolism and Decadence. It analyses some of the central works of the period by Belgian and French artists, encompassing prose, poetry and drama. It also explores affinities with other art forms, especially music and the visual arts.The study of the different texts is underpinned by ongoing reflection on the historical context, focusing on the conservative backlash against perceived Decadent art in the 1890s.This includes reflection on aestheticism and dilettantism as philosophical dispositions and consideration of the tensions between a nascent nationalism and cosmopolitanism.The module provides students with the opportunity not only to study a richly diverse period of literature but also to discuss general questions concerning the value, purpose and duty of art.

Objectives

On completion of this module, students should be able to:
- Demonstrate an ability for close attentive reading of a variety of compact and intricate French texts
- Show an understanding of the workings of a variety of narrative strategies
- Demonstrate a general familiarity with different types of texts and an awareness of the appropriate historical and cultural backgrounds
- Make meaningful contrasts and comparisons between the various texts studied, using both English and French.

Learning outcomes
- Enhanced knowledge of French and Francophone literature of the fin de siècle
- Awareness of the specific characteristics of the literary movements and socio-political context during this period.

Skills outcomes
Written communication and Interpersonal communication:
- Oral presentation
- Teamwork
- Planning and organising
- Information literacy
- Research skills
- Analysis, criticality and argument
- Problem solving
- Initiative
- Adaptability
- Computer literacy
- Time and self management.

Syllabus

Semester 1
- focus on relevant essays (Baudelaire, Bourget, Moreas) and key works by Huysmans and Mallarme.

Semester 2
- focus on a representative number of texts drawn from a selection of the following writers: Laforgue, Maeterlinck, Mirbeau, Rachilde, Rodenbach, Villiers de l'Isle Adam, Wilde.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Seminar	20	1.00	20.00
Private study hours			180.00
Total Contact hours			20.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			200.00

Private study

Students will be expected to prepare for seminars by:
a) reading texts,
b) preparing group presentations,
c) reflecting on specific research questions,
d) carrying out bibliographical research.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Student progress will be monitored in the following ways:
- Formal written formative feedback on the first piece of work at the start of Semester 2.
- Informal formative feedback on oral presentations in both semesters and on seminar contributions throughout.
- Checking attendance throughout year.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Essay	2,000 words	33.00
Essay	4,000 words	67.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

There is no reading list for this module

Last updated: 24/04/2015

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