FREN 3205 - Introduction to French and Francophone Literature

North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2024

Introduction to French Literature is a core Topics course of the Department of European Languages, and Linguistics. Taught at a lower-advanced level entirely in the target language, the course introduces students to the study of literature through a focus on canonical and popular literary texts. Although the specific focus of the course will vary from semester to semester, you can expect to encounter a broad range of genres and historical periods. This course is designed to be a forum where students can use their encounter with literature to hone their language skills in the areas of speaking, writing, listening and reading. For students enrolling through the discipline of French Studies, this course will focus on various fiction (novel, poetry, theatre) and non-fiction texts from France and French-speaking countries and regions outside of France, adopting a global perspective including the socio-economic and political realities and the cultural and artistic climate of the Francophone world in all its diversity. Students will have the opportunity to read and analyse several texts during the semester, in their entirety or through excerpts, and to discuss issues important for understanding French and Francophone societies from the Middle Ages to the present. Each week or fortnight will be devoted to the study of a particular movement, idea or literary trend and its stylistic and linguistic specificities, to understand its mechanisms and determine the impact it has had in its given period and geography.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code FREN 3205
    Course Introduction to French and Francophone Literature
    Coordinating Unit European Languages, and Linguistics
    Term Semester 1
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 3 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange N
    Prerequisites FREN 2202
    Assessment Oral presentation, 2 x quizzes, Essay, Group Research Project
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Associate Professor Ben McCann

    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    On successful completion of this course students will be able to:

    1. Demonstrate an understanding of cultural artefacts such as literature produced in France and Francophone countries.
    2. Locate and analyse primary and secondary sources of information pertaining to the study of French and Francophone literature.
    3. Analyse with sophistication cultural artefacts such as literature produced in France and Francophone countries and be aware of the interpretative methods that can be used to deepen understanding of them.
    4. Demonstrate an ability to collect and organise information, and communicate arguments and ideas in clear and correct French, both written and spoken, to an academic audience.
    5. Develop an intercultural and global commitment to the rigorous application of scholarly principles in the exploration of questions and problems in relation to French and Francophone literature.
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)

    Attribute 1: Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth

    Graduates have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their subject area, the ability to engage with different traditions of thought, and the ability to apply their knowledge in practice including in multi-disciplinary or multi-professional contexts.

    1,2,3

    Attribute 2: Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving

    Graduates are effective problems-solvers, able to apply critical, creative and evidence-based thinking to conceive innovative responses to future challenges.

    2,3

    Attribute 3: Teamwork and communication skills

    Graduates convey ideas and information effectively to a range of audiences for a variety of purposes and contribute in a positive and collaborative manner to achieving common goals.

    4

    Attribute 4: Professionalism and leadership readiness

    Graduates engage in professional behaviour and have the potential to be entrepreneurial and take leadership roles in their chosen occupations or careers and communities.

    3,4,5

    Attribute 5: Intercultural and ethical competency

    Graduates are responsible and effective global citizens whose personal values and practices are consistent with their roles as responsible members of society.

    1,3,4

    Attribute 6: Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural competency

    Graduates have an understanding of, and respect for, Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander values, culture and knowledge.

    1

    Attribute 7: Digital capabilities

    Graduates are well prepared for living, learning and working in a digital society.

    3,4,5

    Attribute 8: Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

    Graduates are self-aware and reflective; they are flexible and resilient and have the capacity to accept and give constructive feedback; they act with integrity and take responsibility for their actions.

    4,5
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    All required texts will be listed and/or uploaded on the MyUni course page.
    Recommended Resources
    Reading lists and general guides with recommended resources will be provided on MyUni.
    Online Learning
    All online resources and interaction with students will be conducted through MyUni.
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    This course will be taught in the target language, i.e. French. In the Workshop at the beginning of the week, students will be introduced to the main topic area and scholarly approaches to be discussed. In the subsequent Seminar students will undertake a combination of small group problem solving exercises and text analysis.
    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    1 x 1-hour workshop per week 12 hours per semester
    1 x 2-hour seminar per week 24 hours per semester
    4 hours of homework/assignment prepartion per week 48 hours per semester
    6 hours of reading and research 72 hours per semester
    TOTAL WORKLOAD 156 hours per semester


    Learning Activities Summary

    No information currently available.

    Specific Course Requirements
    It is expected that students read the primary texts before coming to class and actively engage with content. To deepen knowledge of the cultural topics covered and to develop a critical mind, attendance and participation are essential.


    Hurdle Requirements
    Students who do not complete all assessment tasks worth 5% or more will be awarded a grade of Fail for the course.
  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    1 x 1500-word Essay (30%): Students will be required to complete a 1500-word essay in French on a topic of their choice connected to the course.
    1 x 1500-word Text Commentary (25%): Students will be required to complete a 1500-word text analysis in French on a given excerpt.
    1 x Group Presentation (25%): Students will be required to complete a group presentation in Week 12 in French on a topic of their choice connected to the course.
    2 x Quizzes (20%): Students will be required to complete two quizzes through MyUni that assess course content from week 1-6 (quiz 1, 10%) and then Week 7-11 (quiz 2, 10%)
    Assessment Related Requirements
    You may seek help with difficult points by requesting further explanations from your instructor, but no help can be given with the actual exercise(s) prescribed. All assessed work must also be your own.

    Extensions and other arrangements regarding assessment will have to be documented and are granted on medical/compassionate grounds/extenuating circumstances.
    Assessment Detail

    No information currently available.

    Submission
    Electronically via MyUni.
    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Fraud Awareness

    Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.