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FRE282Arts2 Unitsintermediate

Introduction to French Literature: (Prose, Poetry, Drama)

This course introduces students to French literature from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. It explores the origins and evolution of French literature, covering key literary movements, genres, and influential writers. Students will examine the socio-political and religious contexts that shaped French literary expression and analyze representative works of prose, poetry, and drama. The course aims to enhance students' understanding and appreciation of French literary heritage.

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19.5h
Study Time
13
Weeks
2h
Per Week
none
Math Level
Course Keywords
French LiteratureLiterary MovementsFrench ProseFrench PoetryFrench Drama

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

Middle Ages Literature

2

16th Century Literature

3

Classicism

4

Age of Enlightenment

5

19th Century Literary Movements

6

20th Century Literature

Total Topics6 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 assessments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

final examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Computer Based Test

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Teacher

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Translator

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Interpreter

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Content Writer

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Editor

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Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

EducationTranslation ServicesPublishingJournalismCultural Organizations

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: Introduction

1.5h

Unit 1: Introduction Générale sur la Littérature Française

1.5 study hours
  • •Read the definition of French Literature.
  • •Identify the historical periods of French Literature.
  • •Understand the influence of 'roman' language on French Literature.
Week
2

Module 1: Introduction

1.5h

Unit 2: Le Moyen Age : les Quatre Périodes Distinctes

1.5 study hours
  • •Identify the four major periods of the French Middle Ages.
  • •Examine the general history of the Middle Ages.
  • •Understand the literary activities during each period.
Week
3

Module 1: Introduction

1.5h

Unit 3: La Première et la Deuxième Périodes du Moyen Age

1.5 study hours
  • •Study the first two periods of the Middle Ages.
  • •Learn about the dynasties and their impact.
  • •Understand the development of the French language during these periods.
Week
4

Module 1: Introduction

1.5h

Unit 4: La Chanson de Geste et la Chanson de Roland

1.5 study hours
  • •Trace the origin of 'Chanson de Geste' and 'Chanson de Roland'.
  • •Analyze the structure and functions of these genres.
  • •Study the themes and their societal impact.
Week
5

Module 1: Introduction

1.5h

Unit 5: La Troisième et la Quatrième Périodes du Moyen Age

1.5 study hours
  • •Examine the religious and literary situations of the third and fourth periods.
  • •Understand the major events and their impact.
  • •Analyze the literary activities and their influence.
Week
6

Module 2:

1.5h

Unit 1: Les Genres Littéraires au Moyen Age

1.5 study hours
  • •Discuss the three literary genres of the Middle Ages: Poetry, Novel, and Theatre.
  • •Mention writers who contributed to the literary activities.
  • •Analyze the characteristics of each genre.
Week
7

Module 2:

1.5h

Unit 2: Le 16e Siècle : La Première et la Deuxième Périodes

1.5 study hours
  • •Access the general history of the 16th century.
  • •Mention religious and social events.
  • •Study the important personalities of the century.
Week
8

Module 2:

1.5h

Unit 3: La Renaissance et l'Humanisme

1.5 study hours
  • •Define 'Renaissance' and 'Humanism'.
  • •Explain the origin of the two concepts.
  • •Mention events that took place during the period.
Week
9

Module 2:

1.5h

Unit 4: Les Genres Littéraires au 16e Siècle

1.5 study hours
  • •Define novel, poetry, and drama in the context of the 16th century.
  • •Mention literary works produced during the period.
  • •Name novelists, poets, playwrights, and their works.
Week
10

Module 2:

1.5h

Unit 5: Le 17e Siècle et les Genres Littéraires

1.5 study hours
  • •Identify the literary genres of the 17th century.
  • •Talk about the literary genres.
  • •Mention various works belonging to authors of the three genres.
Week
11

Module 3:

1.5h

Unit 1: Le Classicisme

1.5 study hours
  • •Talk about the origin of Classicism.
  • •Explain 'imitation des Anciens'.
  • •List writers of the literary movement and their works.
Week
12

Module 3:

3h

Unit 2: Le 18e Siècle : L'âge des Lumières

1.5 study hours
  • •State the period covered by the 18th century.
  • •Define 'âge des lumières'.
  • •Talk about the literary situation of the century.

Unit 3: La Progression du Savoir et la Rédaction de L'Encyclopédie

1.5 study hours
  • •Trace the origin of French Encyclopedia.
  • •Define the French Encyclopedia.
  • •Mention important figures in the making of Encyclopedia.
  • •Talk about the themes developed by French Encyclopedia.
Week
13

Module 3:

4h

Unit 4: Les Courants Littéraires au 19e Siècle

2 study hours
  • •Trace the origin of Romantism, Realism, and Symbolism.
  • •Mention events that led to the creation of each movement.
  • •Mention some of the writers and their works.

Unit 5: Le 20e Siècle et la Littérature Contemporaine

2 study hours
  • •Mention the three different periods of the 20th century.
  • •Explain what happened during the periods.
  • •Talk about the literary situation of the century.
  • •Appreciate the works of critiques through their ideologies.

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

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Create a timeline of French literary periods and movements, noting key authors and works for each.

2

Develop concept maps linking literary movements to their philosophical and historical contexts.

3

Focus on understanding the characteristics and key figures of each literary movement (e.g., Romanticism, Realism, Symbolism).

4

Practice analyzing excerpts from representative works, identifying themes, styles, and literary techniques.

5

Review all Tutor Marked Assignments (TMAs) and Self-Assessment Exercises (SAEs), paying attention to feedback.

6

Prioritize studying the periods and authors most heavily emphasized in the course materials and lectures.

7

Allocate study time proportionally to the weight of each module in the final examination.

8

Form study groups to discuss challenging concepts and share insights.

9

Utilize online resources and library materials to supplement course content and deepen understanding.

10

Practice writing concise and well-organized essays on key literary topics.

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