FR1IFC-Introduction to French Culture

Module Provider: Languages and Cultures
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2022/3

Module Convenor: Dr Veronica Heath
Email: V.Heath@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

The aim of this module is to introduce students to a range of aspects of French culture through the study and analysis of key literary genres and visual art forms, mainly drawn from the late nineteenth to twenty first century period, including the novel and prose fiction, drama, film, poetry and music. The texts studied reflect the diversity of contemporary French society.

This module provides an excellent foundation for further study of literature and culture in more specialised modules in Part 2 and Part 3 of the French programme. 

Aims:

Students will be introduced to a range of different literary texts and films, from the nineteenth to the twenty-first centuries, to their cultural contexts, and to analytical skills appropriate to the various genres (novel, play, film, poetry) covered..

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module it is expected that students will be able to:

• Analyse literary and cinematic works orally and in writing


• Engage critically with the ideas presented in lectures, seminars, or secondary materials


• Contextualise specific literary and cinematic forms


• Organise and articulate a coherent written argument, both in coursework essays and under timed examination conditions

Additional outcomes:
The module also aims to encourage the development of: oral communication skills and pair/group presentation skills. Students will also be expected to use specified internet sites as part of their background learning.

Outline content:

• Introduction to the diversity of modern, post-colonial French society and culture through the study of key texts of different genres from the nineteenth to the twenty-first centuries.


• Introduction to the notion of genre through close textual analysis

Global context:

The module explores how the culture of modern France is shaped and influenced by its colonial history and post-colonial immigration. 

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The module will incorporate:

• A total of twenty lectures


• A total of 20 seminars, plus revision session.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	10	10	2
Seminars	10	10
Guided independent study:	60	60	38
Total hours by term	80	80	40
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	60
Written assignment including essay	40

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Students will take a 1 x 2-hour examination at the end of the module, covering material studied in the Spring Term . The examination will require TWO questions to be answered.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

One 1500-2000 assignment will be required, to be submitted in week 1 of the Spring term.

Formative assessment methods:

One short essay or commentary based on work done in seminars, to be submitted in the Autumn term.

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:
40%

Reassessment arrangements:

Reassessment in August, in the event of failure in this module and of failure in Part 1 as a whole. Coursework bearing a confirmed mark of 40% or more can be carried forward; all other coursework to be resubmitted by 12 NOON on the third Friday of August or, if the University is closed, by 12 NOON on the first working day thereafter.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: 

2) Specialist equipment or materials: 

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 

4) Printing and binding: 

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: 

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: 

Last updated: 22 September 2022