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FRE232Arts Unitsintermediate

Survey Of 16th And 17th Centuries French Literatur

This course introduces students to French literature during the 16th and 17th centuries. It explores the historical, socio-political, and religious contexts that shaped literary movements such as Humanism, the Renaissance, and Classicism. Students will examine key literary genres, schools of thought, and the works of influential writers like Rabelais, Montaigne, Corneille and Molière. The course aims to develop students' analytical skills and appreciation for the evolution of French literary traditions during these transformative periods.

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40h
Study Time
13
Weeks
3h
Per Week
none
Math Level
Course Keywords
French Literature16th Century17th CenturyClassicismRenaissance

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
📚
Math Level
No Math
📖
Learning Type
Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

French Literature

2

16th Century

3

17th Century

4

Humanism

5

Renaissance

6

Classicism

7

Baroque

8

Préciosité

9

French History

Total Topics9 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

Assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Tutor-Marked Assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Final Examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Computer Based Test

Career Opportunities

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Teacher

Apply your skills in this growing field

Lecturer

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Translator

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Interpreter

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Content Writer

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Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

EducationTranslationPublishingJournalismCultural Heritage

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Unit 1: Introduction générale sur la littérature française

2h

Unit 1: Introduction générale sur la littérature française

2 study hours
  • •Read the unit introduction and learning outcomes.
  • •Study the definition of French Literature and its historical context.
  • •Identify the major periods and centuries of French Literature.
  • •Complete the self-assessment exercise.
Week
2

Unit 2: Le XVIe siècle : la première et la deuxième périodes

2h

Unit 2: Le XVIe siècle : la première et la deuxième périodes

2 study hours
  • •Examine the general history of 16th-century France.
  • •Distinguish between the first and second periods of the 16th century.
  • •Study the religious and social events, including the Reformation.
  • •Identify important figures like Martin Luther and Henri IV.
  • •Complete the self-assessment exercise.
Week
3

Unit 3: La Renaissance et l'humanisme

2h

Unit 3: La Renaissance et l'humanisme

2 study hours
  • •Define Renaissance and Humanism.
  • •Explain the origins and impact of these movements on French society.
  • •Study the influence of Italy on French art and literature.
  • •Examine the role of François 1er in promoting Renaissance ideals.
  • •Complete the self-assessment exercise.
Week
4

Unit 4: Les genres littéraires au XVIe siècle

2h

Unit 4: Les genres littéraires au XVIe siècle

2 study hours
  • •Define novel, poetry, and drama in the context of the 16th century.
  • •Identify major literary works and their authors.
  • •Study the evolution of poetry and the rise of the novel.
  • •Examine the influence of classical models on theater.
  • •Complete the self-assessment exercise.
Week
5

Unit 5: La Pléiade

2h

Unit 5: La Pléiade

2 study hours
  • •Trace the origin and ideology of La Pléiade.
  • •Define La Pléiade and its goals.
  • •Study the key figures and their works.
  • •Examine the movement's impact on the French language.
  • •Complete the self-assessment exercise.
Week
6

Unit 6: Les écrivains du XVIe siècle

2h

Unit 6: Les écrivains du XVIe siècle

2 study hours
  • •Describe the lives and works of Agrippa d'Aubigné, Rabelais, and Du Bellay.
  • •Explain their literary ideologies and contributions.
  • •Analyze their major works and their impact on 16th-century literature.
  • •Categorize each writer based on their preferred literary genres.
  • •Complete the self-assessment exercise.
Week
7

Unit 7: L'histoire de la France au XVIIe siècle

2h

Unit 7: L'histoire de la France au XVIIe siècle

2 study hours
  • •Trace the history of France during the reigns of Henri IV and Louis XIV.
  • •Identify important figures like Mazarin.
  • •Explain the relationship between Louis XIV and the Protestants.
  • •Study the impact of these historical events on French society.
  • •Complete the self-assessment exercise.
Week
8

Unit 8: La Monarchie et la littérature du XVIIe siècle

2h

Unit 8: La Monarchie et la littérature du XVIIe siècle

2 study hours
  • •Explain the concept of Monarchie absolue in France.
  • •Distinguish the relationship between Monarchie absolue and literature.
  • •Deduce the events leading to the reign of Louis XIII.
  • •Explain the role of Louis XIV in developing 17th-century literature.
  • •Complete the self-assessment exercise.
Week
9

Unit 9: Le XVIIe siècle et les genres littéraires

2h

Unit 9: Le XVIIe siècle et les genres littéraires

2 study hours
  • •Identify the literary genres of the 17th century.
  • •Name and describe these genres: novel, poetry, and theatre.
  • •Mention various works and authors associated with each genre.
  • •Study the influence of religious themes on 17th-century literature.
  • •Complete the self-assessment exercise.
Week
10

Unit 10: Le Baroque

2h

Unit 10: Le Baroque

2 study hours
  • •Reconstruct the origin of the Baroque movement.
  • •Define Baroque and its key characteristics.
  • •Outline the style of Baroque in literature and theatre.
  • •Examine the use of metaphors and allegories in Baroque works.
  • •Complete the self-assessment exercise.
Week
11

Unit 11: La Préciosité

2h

Unit 11: La Préciosité

2 study hours
  • •Trace the origin of Préciosité.
  • •Explain how Préciosité originated and its goals.
  • •Name important writers of the Préciosité movement.
  • •Sort its orthography, lexis, and style.
  • •Study the role of women in this literary movement.
  • •Complete the self-assessment exercise.
Week
12

Unit 12: Le Classicisme

2h

Unit 12: Le Classicisme

2 study hours
  • •Discuss the origin of Classicism.
  • •Explain what is meant by imitation des Anciens.
  • •List writers of the Classicism movement.
  • •Name some of their literary works.
  • •Study the influence of reason and order on Classicism.
  • •Complete the self-assessment exercise.
Week
13

Final Revision

6h

Unit 13: Les règles du théâtre classique

2 study hours
  • •Derive the rules of drama in Classicism.
  • •Outline the role of these rules.
  • •Explain the style of Classicism in theatre.
  • •Study the concepts of bienséance and vraisemblance.
  • •Complete the self-assessment exercise.

Unit 14: Les théâtres au XVIIe siècle

2 study hours
  • •Review all units and TMAs
  • •Focus on key concepts and literary movements
  • •Prepare for final examinations

Unit 15: Les écrivains français du XVIIe siècle

2 study hours
  • •Review all units and TMAs
  • •Focus on key concepts and literary movements
  • •Prepare for final examinations

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Create a timeline of major literary movements and authors from the 16th and 17th centuries.

2

Develop character maps for key plays by Corneille and Molière, noting motivations and relationships.

3

Practice essay questions comparing and contrasting Baroque and Classicism.

4

Memorize key quotes from influential authors like Montaigne and La Fontaine.

5

Review all Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMAs) and focus on areas where you lost marks.

6

Create concept maps linking Units 3-5 Renaissance and Humanism concepts

7

Practice essay questions comparing and contrasting Baroque and Classicism.

8

Review the characteristics of each literary genre (poetry, novel, theater) and identify examples from the course readings.

9

Focus on the historical and social contexts that influenced the literary works of the period.

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