Marcel Proust and the Art of Being Modern (Ordinary) (U04360)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 9 ? Acronym : LLC-3-FR0073

Marcel Proust is generally acknowledged to be one of the greatest writers of the twentieth century, a pioneer of Modernity, a radical commentator of social mores and an indefatigable satirist of the hypocrisies of social life. This course will introduce students to the great themes of Proust's writing - time and memory, jealousy and desire, art and redemption, class and war - and explore the revolutionary new techniques of his writing. Reading is based on the first two volumes of his masterpiece A la recherche du temps perdu (1913-1927), plus extracts from the following volumes, especially the central volume Sodome et Gomorrhe, which focuses on the crucial Proustian theme of homosexuality, and Le Temps retrouvé, which closes the seven-volume cycle. Special attention will be given to the representation of childhood and adolescence, to the depiction of homosexuals and Jews and to Proust’s satirical portrait of society life. The course will reveal a Proust who remains just as challenging and controversial in his portrayal of sex, gender, race and class today as he was at the beginning of the last century.

Entry Requirements

? Pre-requisites : Ordinary Students only

Subject Areas

Home subject area

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

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 3rd year

? Delivery Period : Semester 2 (Blocks 3-4)

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

All of the following classes

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

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

Students should, by the end of the course, be able:
- to demonstrate advanced knowledge and understanding of the chosen specialism(s)
- to recognise and acknowledge the complexity of the subject
- to show a good understanding of and apply competently complex conceptual frameworks
- to construct coherent arguments which demonstrate an awareness of the problems posed by the texts/ issues which they are studying
- to demonstrate a high level of expression in both written and oral presentations
- to demonstrate the mastery of relevant technical terminology and research methods
- to carry out personal research under the guidance of the tutor and offer evidence of research initiative
- to offer alternative perspectives, identify and accommodate ambiguities and show an awareness of nuance
- to develop original ideas
- to demonstrate an awareness of the research agenda relating to the topic

Assessment Information

One course essay contributing 30% of the final mark for the course. One three-hour examination, with two equally weighted essays, contributing 70% of the final mark for the course.