Autobiographie Litteraire Contemporaine (FR0067)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 10 ? Acronym : LLC-4-FR0067

In recent decades, self-writing has enjoyed great popularity in France. Yet modern French authors find the writing of the self to be an enterprise always on the threshold of failure: ‘Qui-est “je”?’/‘Je est un autre’ (Rimbaud). This option examines the theory and practice of modern and contemporary autobiography in French. Explorations of personal identity by some of France’s foremost writers will constitute the starting point for considering the problems inherent in trying to seize the self in writing. Insights from key French philosophical and literary movements (e.g. psychoanalysis, existentialism, the new novel), as well as from modern French thought, will inform our study. The importance of memory and the past to the establishment of a sense of identity will be analysed, as well as to difficulties in negotiating identity which may result from the subject’s ethnicity, gender or sexuality. Amongst other potential themes to be covered are: estrangement and belonging, testimony and confession, truth and fiction. The option is seminar-led, with regular student presentations.

Entry Requirements

? Pre-requisites : Pass in French 2 Entry to Honours in French

Subject Areas

Home subject area

European Languages and Cultures - French, (School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures, Schedule G)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 4th year

? Delivery Period : Not being delivered

? Contact Teaching Time : 2 hour(s) per week for 11 weeks

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Lecture	Tuesday	09:00	10:50	Central

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course students will be expected to show the ability:
- to demonstrate sound knowledge and understanding of the chosen specialism(s)
- to recognise and acknowledge the complexity of the subject
- to show an understanding of and apply competently relevant concepts and theories
- to construct coherent arguments which demonstrate an awareness of the problems posed by the texts/ issues studied
- to demonstrate a high level of expression in both written and oral presentations
- to offer alternative perspectives and show an awareness of contrasting viewpoints