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2010/11 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

FREN3785 Decadence and Symbolism: French Literature in the Fin de Siecle

20 creditsClass Size: 24

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

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2010/11

Pre-requisite qualifications

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

This module is mutually exclusive with

FREN3780

Symbolism and Decadence: French Literature in the Fin de Siè

This module is approved as an Elective

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

To provide research-led teaching on my specialist area which will engage with and reflect back on my current research project on cosmopolitanism and Decadence. To enhance the students' knowledge and critical appreciation of the resources and nuances of the French language and to increase their ability to analyse and evaluate a range of textual constructs, using the material provided by writers from the period of the fin de siècle.

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, encompassing poetry, drama and the novel, with consideration of the theoretical context.
Awareness of the specific characteristics of the literary movements and socio-political context during this period, specifically with regard to the relationship between Symbolism and Decadence as responses to Naturalism.
Knowledge of the debates surrounding the value of the work of art and the role of the artist, with regard to aesthetics, politics, religion and philosophy.

Skills outcomes
Enhanced command of written French in an academic context.

- Analytical skills
- Communication skills
- Critical Thinking
- Independent Working
- Research Skills

Syllabus

The syllabus will focus initially on Baudelaire as precursor and on various relevant essays (Bourget, Moréas). It will then examine key works by Huysmans, Mallarmé, Wilde and Rodenbach, spending two weeks on each text. Other writers considered may include Laforgue, Maeterlinck, Mirbeau, Rachilde and Villiers del l'Isle-Adam.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Seminar	10	2.00	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 pair presentations,
c) reflecting on specific research questions,
d) carrying out bibliographical research (80 hours)
e) preparation and reading for assessment (100 hours)

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Student progress will be monitored in the following ways:
Informal formative feedback on oral presentations and seminar contributions throughout.
A one-to-one tutorial to discuss their essays before the Christmas vacation and email support as necessary.
Checking attendance throughout the semester.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Essay	5,000 words	75.00
Presentation	.	25.00
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: 13/04/2011

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