French Literature

Postgraduate course

Course description

Objectives and Content

A selection of French literary and cultural works will be studied from several different perspectives, such as thematic, rhetorical, narratological, literary-historical. Dimensions of the works related to cultural or literary-historical context, history of ideas, or genre will be central. The course also emphasizes critical reflection within the discipline.

Learning Outcomes

Candidates who have completed this course

Knowledge

The student

  • have advanced knowledge of a selection of French literary and cultural works
  • have advanced knowledge of the social and cultural-historical context of these works and their relevance to our time

Skills

The student

  • can apply various approaches, methods, and theoretical perspectives in the analysis of the works
  • can discuss the relation between various works in French with a critical approach to the works

General competencies

The student

  • master academic presentations in oral and written French
  • have the capacity to structure and formulate ideas clearly and insightfully in French
  • can demonstrate skills in the correct use of sources and relevant literature databases.

ECTS Credits

15

Level of Study

Master's level

Semester of Instruction

Fall

Place of Instruction

Bergen and Trondheim
Required Previous Knowledge
No formal requirement, but see Recommended Previous Knowledge.
Recommended Previous Knowledge
100 or 200 level French or the equivalent
Credit Reduction due to Course Overlap
Not relevant
Access to the Course
The course is open to students enrolled in the Master's program in French and Foreign Language Teacher Education (French), Master's, 5 years, at the University of Bergen.
Teaching and learning methods

Lectures and/or seminars will be given over approximately 12 weeks. Students are expected to participate actively in the seminars.

Teaching is offered in cooperation with the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), predominantly as an on-line course.

Compulsory Assignments and Attendance

In order to be eligible for the exam, students must have:

1. held one 15 minute oral presentation about a chosen research question related to the reading list.

2. submitted one written assignment of around 800 words.

3. attended at least 75% of the classes.

Mandatory assignments are valid for one additional semester following the semester of instruction.

Forms of Assessment

The assessment is a term paper of around 3000 words on a given topic (three weeks). The exam must be answered in French.

Students will be offered supervision during the exam.

Grading Scale
The exam is marked on a scale from A to F, where F means that the candidate fails.
Assessment Semester
Fall. Students with approvals on their mandatory assignments may also be assessed early in the spring semester.
Reading List

A collection of theoretical articles, along with a selection of literary works. Some study material will be distributed during the semester.

The reading list will be published by 1 July for the autumn semester, and by 1 December for the spring semester.

Course Evaluation
The evaluation is conducted in accordance with the quality control system of the University of Bergen.
Examination Support Material
Does not apply.
Programme Committee
The program committee is responsible for the academic content and structure of the program and for the quality of the program and all the courses that comprise it.
Course Coordinator
The program committee for French.
Course Administrator
The Faculty of the Humanities through the Department of Foreign Languages is responsible for the administration of the course and the program as such.