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2020/21 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

FREN1062 Readings in Modern French Society

10 creditsClass Size: 24

Module manager: Professor Sarah Waters
Email: s.a.waters@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2020/21

Pre-requisite qualifications

Grade B in French at A level, or equivalent

This module is approved as a discovery module

Module summary

- How do politicians convince people to vote for them? - What techniques are use to persuade, communicate or criticise? - How does an author construct or express an argument? How do writers construct or express their arguments? How do political leaders convince people to vote for them? What techniques are used to persuade, communicate or criticise? This interactive module focuses on three sets of polemical texts taken from the context of modern French society in which writers try to persuade us of their point of view. We examine each text as an example of rhetoric, focusing on what they say but also, how they say it. How is language used in these texts for persuasive ends? Each text will be used as a lens for engaging with a particular period of modern French history, from the French Revolution, the Second World War to the post-war colonial period.A first unit will examine speeches by orators from the French Revolution (1789) in which they express their vision for a new democratic society and urge the people to take up arms. In a second unit, we examine two famous speeches from the context of the Second World War, the first by Charles De Gaulle which calls on the French to mobilise in resistance against the Germany occupying forces, and the second by Philippe Pétain which calls for collaboration. How do they use language to try to convince the French to follow two diametrically opposed paths? A third unit focuses on an extract from Frantz Fanon’s Les Damnés de la Terre (1961) in which he examines the dehumanising effects of colonisation and the conditions necessary to create a movement for decolonisation that would forcibly remove the colonial ruling class. The module is taught by colleagues with a research interest in the writers and periods considered, and introduces the kind of analytical skills used by researchers to think about the issues raised in the texts. We will look at the ways in which text is used as a rhetorical form and also consider some vital aspects of contemporary French society covering themes such as equality, freedom and domination. The module is intended for students who are interested in exploring new areas of French Studies at university level and is ideal for those interested in exchanging ideas, debating political issues and 'reading between the lines'.

Objectives

On completion of this module, students should be able to:
- demonstrate knowledge of some of the fundamental social and political principles and concepts that underpin modern French society and political culture;
- critically analyse non-literary texts, showing awareness and sensitivity to their rhetorical uses and form;
- understand and discuss vital aspects of modern French politics and society in preparation for future studies;

Learning outcomes
On completion of this module, students will have an increased knowledge of the social and political ideas of some of the key political thinkers and actors in France since the French Revolution.

They will have developed their knowledge of the historical contexts in which these thinkers operated. They will also have acquired a knowledge of and sensitivity to the rhetorical strategies used to persuade readers and listeners.


Syllabus

The module introduces students to key social, political and historical texts within the context of modern French society. The students will explore some of the fundamental principles and concepts that shape modern French society and influence contemporary political culture.

- What are the key values and ideals that underpin French political life?
- How is contemporary French society organised and structured?
- What problems and conflicts exist within contemporary France?

At the same time, the students will examine the nature of text as a rhetorical form used to persuade the reader or advance a particular point of view.

- How does an author construct and express an argument?
- What techniques are used to persuade, communicate or criticise?

The students will be encouraged to develop critical approaches in relation to the study of non-literary texts. An important aim is to broaden and reinforce the students' reading and analytical skills by expanding the study of text beyond literature, to include selected examples of non-literary text.

The module is designed to combine a study of text as a form of rhetoric with an analysis of social and political ideas and debates.

Teaching methods

Delivery typeNumberLength hoursStudent hours
Lecture71.007.00
Seminar31.003.00
Private study hours90.00
Total Contact hours10.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)100.00

Private study

- Background reading
- Preparation for classes
- Preparation for assessment.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Progress is monitored through structured student contributions to seminars.

Methods of assessment


Exams
Exam typeExam duration% of formal assessment
Online Time-Limited assessment48 hr 00 mins100.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)100.00

48 hours take-home paper with clear instructions on word length for commentary and essay. The format of this exam may be subject to change should the situation surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic allow. Students will be informed well in advance if this becomes the case.

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 02/10/2020 09:52:59

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