FR1IFA: Ideas of Frenchness 1

Module code: FR1IFA

Module provider: Languages and Cultures; School of Humanities

Credits: 20

Level: Level 1 (Certificate)

When you'll be taught: Semester 1

Module convenor: Dr Kate Foster, email: k.l.foster@reading.ac.uk

Module co-convenor: Dr John McKeane, email: j.mckeane@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s):

Co-requisite module(s):

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: na

Academic year: 2024/5

Available to visiting students: Yes

Talis reading list: Yes

Last updated: 11 November 2024

Overview

Module aims and purpose

The aim of this module is to introduce students to key ideas and developments which have shaped the concept and the perception of Frenchness within France, in the French speaking world, and globally.  

The module will allow students to study and to assess critically a range of cultural materials, texts and artefacts, both historical and literary.  It will provide students with a sound understanding of key issues and developments in relevant areas including, but not limited to, revolution/terror, and empire and its aftermath. 

The module will give students a sound foundation for the more specialised study of the history, culture, literature and ideas of France and the French speaking world. It will provide an excellent foundation for the complementary module, Ideas of Frenchness II. 

Module learning outcomes

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

1. Identify key currents of thought that have shaped modern French mentalities 
2. Engage critically with the ideas presented in lectures, seminars, or secondary materials. 
3. Organise and articulate a coherent written argument, in coursework essays, commentaries and under timed examination conditions  
4. Demonstrate an ability to closely analyse detailed materials, both historical documents and cultural artefacts. 

Module content

This module examines how ideas of ‘Frenchness’ have been shaped by revolution and empire. By analysing landmark events and ideas, as well as written, visual, and audio documents, students will learn to analyse the contribution these cultural topics have made to ideas of nationality and citizenship. 

Students will develop a recognition of how France fits in to broader phenomena (war, colonialism, social upheaval), but also shapes the modern world in singular ways. They will do so by rigorously and imaginatively engaging with a range of cultural expressions produced in French (including but not limited to: narrative, film, popular music, philosophical essay).   

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

The module will incorporate:

• A total of 14 lectures
• A total of 14 seminars leading to different forms of interaction between students and between the student group and seminar supervisors, plus two revision sessions.

Study hours

At least 30 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further details about how these hours will be delivered before the start of the module.

Please note the independent study hours above are notional numbers of hours; each student will approach studying in different ways. We would advise you to reflect on your learning and the number of hours you are allocating to these tasks.

Semester 1 The hours in this column may include hours during the Christmas holiday period.

Semester 2 The hours in this column may include hours during the Easter holiday period.

Summer The hours in this column will take place during the summer holidays and may be at the start and/or end of the module.

Assessment

Requirements for a pass

Students need to achieve an overall module mark of 40% to pass this module.

Summative assessment

Penalties for late submission of summative assessment

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

Assessments with numerical marks

• 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 three working days;
• the mark awarded due to the imposition of the penalty shall not fall below the threshold pass mark, namely 40% in the case of modules at Levels 4-6 (i.e. undergraduate modules for Parts 1-3) and 50% in the case of Level 7 modules offered as part of an Integrated Masters or taught postgraduate degree programme;
• where the piece of work is awarded a mark below the threshold pass mark prior to any penalty being imposed, and is submitted up to three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline), no penalty shall be imposed;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

Assessments marked Pass/Fail

• where the piece of work is submitted within three working days of the deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): no penalty will be applied;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): a grade of Fail will be awarded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/qap/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.

Formative assessment

Formative assessment is any task or activity which creates feedback (or feedforward) for you about your learning, but which does not contribute towards your overall module mark.

Reassessment

Additional costs