FREN 3320 -- Reading French Texts
Instructor : Prof. Valentini Brady
This course is designed as a one-semester third-year-level bridge course
placed between junior-level language courses and literature courses, for which it
will normally act as a pre-requisite. It is therefore intended to prepare French
majors and minors, and other interested students, for further study in upperlevel courses in French literature (such as the Surveys), language and culture. It
will count toward a major and a minor in French.
The aim of this course is to build on and expand all four language skills :
listening, speaking, reading and writing, while developing an understanding of
the three major genres (novel/short story, drama, poetry) and an appreciation
for French literary writing. What are the main characteristics of prose writing, of
drama, and of poetry ? What should we look for when we read them? What are
some of the basic techniques used by novelists, dramatists and poets? These are
some of the questions which will be addressed in introductory remarks and also
during the discussion of the assigned texts.
Appropriate texts are selected by the instructor to illustrate the various
genres. They consist of 3 short stories, one play and a selection of poems. The
texts are studied thoroughly in class both for language and for content. Short
essays will be assigned at the beginning of the study of each text with a specified
deadline (see detailed syllabus).
The final grade will be determined by the above-mentioned written work
(3 essays) presented throughout the semester, by four class tests given after the
study of every text, and by the student's participation in class discussions. There
will be no final exam. Classes will be conducted in French, but special attention
will be given to adequate comprehension on the part of the students.
Policy on absences : This is a course that requires active participation. It
requires sustained effort and therefore a serious commitment on the part of each
student. In order to meet the goals of this course and in keeping with
department policy, it is required that your absences be held to a minimum. You
will be allowed 3 inexcused absences for the semester. If you are going to be
absent longer because of illness (or because of other inevitable circumstances),
but you still wish to continue the course, you need to discuss the situation with
the instructor.
It will be appreciated by the instructor, and by your fellow
students, if you do your best not to arrive late for class.
FREN 3320 -- Reading French Texts (Introduction to French literature course)
Instructor : V. Brady
Fall 2006
Tuesday 22nd Aug. Description of the course
Thursday 24th Aug. Introduction
Tuesday 29h Aug. Introduction
Thursday 31st Aug. Introduction
Tuesday 5th Sept. Un million . Close study of text (vocabulary, verbs,
idiomatic expressions, etc.) Written assignment (2 pages typed, maximum
4 pages for native speakers) : "Le portrait psychologique des personnages et leurs
relations dans Un million de Guy de Maupassant". Due on 28th of September.
Thursday 7h Sept. Un million.
Tuesday 12th Sept. Un million..
Thursday 14th Sept. Un million.. Announcement of test on vocabulary and
verbs of Un million forTuesday 26th.
Tuesday 19 Sept. Un million. End of study of text. Example of study of
structure discussed and analysed in class.
Thursday 21st Sept. Test on Un million. Collection of assignement on Un million.
Begin La Parure. Close study of text. Essay topic : "Les images dans La Parure.”
Due on 12th of October.
Tuesday 269th Sept. La Parure.
Thurday 28th Sept. La Parure
Tueday 3rd Oct. La Parure
Thursday 5th Oct. La Parure
Tuesday 10th Oct. La Parure. Collection of essay onLa Parure. Announce test on
La Parure , Tuesday 17th.
Thursday 12th Oct. Begin Les Ennuis d'argent.
Tuesday 17th Oct. Test on La Parure. Continue with Les Ennuis d'argent.
Thursday 195h Oct. Les Ennuis d’argent
Tuesday 24h Oct. Les Ennuis d’argent . Announcement of test for Thursday 8th
November.
Thursday 26th Oct.. Reading in class of Pique-nique en campagne.
Tuesday 31st Oct. Pique-nique en campagne. . Essay topic : "L'ironie et le comique
dans la pièce de Fernando Arrabal." Due on 22nd November. Explanation of
terms irony and comedy. How to go about writing the last essay – expectations.
Thursday 2nd Nov. Test on Les ennuis d'argent
Tuesday 7th Nov. Discussion of the differences between prose, theatre and
poetry. Poetry : definition and terms. Discussion of rhyme. Announce test on
Pique-nique en campagne for Tuesday 14h of November.
Thursday 9h Nov. Read and analyse poetic structure of La Fontaine : "Le
Corbeau et le Renard" and Apollinaire : Le pont Mirabeau .
Tuesday 14th Nov. Test on Pique-nique en campagne.. Collection of essay on the
play.
Thurday 16th Nov. Verlaine, four poems : "Ariette oubliée". "Complainte", "Mon
rêve familier", “Chanson d’automne”.
Tuesday 21st Nov. Baudelaire
Thursday 23rd Nov. Thanksgiving
Tuesday 28th Nov. Baudelaire :"L'invitation au voyage". "Recueillement".
Thursday 30th Nov. Jacques Prévert : “Pour faire le portrait d’un oiseau”,
"Paroles". Raymond Queneau : "L'instant fatal".