UNIVERSITY OF KENT
Confirmation that this version of the module specification has been approved by the School Learning
and Teaching Committee:
……………A. Stähler, 03 MAR 2015…………….(date)
MODULE SPECIFICATION
1.
The title of the module:
FR637 - Travels to Japan in Modern French Culture
2.
The Department which will be responsible for management of the module:
SECL (French)
3.
The Start Date of the Module:
2011-12 revised for Sept. 2015
4.
The number of students expected to take the module:
15
5.
Modules to be withdrawn on the introduction of this proposed module and
consultation with other relevant Departments and Faculties regarding the withdrawal
(N/A)
6.
The level of the module (eg Certificate [C], Intermediate [I], Honours [H] or
Postgraduate [M]):
H
7.
The number of credits and ECTS value which the module represents:
15 credits (7.5 ECTS)
8.
Which term(s) the module is to be taught in (or other teaching pattern):
Autumn or Spring
9.
Prerequisite and co-requisite modules:
None.
10. The programmes of study to which the module contributes:
French Single Honours, Joint Honours, and all related programmes.
11. The intended subject specific learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete the module will be able to:
11.1 demonstrate a detailed and critical appreciation of a range of cultural products in
French from the 19th and 20th centuries (novels, travel-writing, paintings, cinema);
11.2 demonstrate analytical skills for the study of structure, prose and cinematic
technique, the portrayal of national cultures and the nature of intercultural
understanding as expressed in literature;
11.3 demonstrate consolidated skills relating to close reading and evaluation of literary
texts and of images;
11.4 demonstrate their ability to deploy conceptual and critical arguments effectively in
French and in English;
11.5 demonstrate their reading and listening speeds in French;
12. The intended generic learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete the module will have demonstrated:
12.1 a systematic understanding of key aspects of this area of inquiry, based on
detailed knowledge of the texts studied as well as their cultural contexts;
UNIVERSITY OF KENT
12.2 an ability to effectively and critically analyse cultural products, within the framework
of sustained, evidence-based arguments, both in in-class discussion and in written
coursework;
12.3 independent research skills, including the undertaking of appropriate research in
library collections and online academic databases;
12.4 an ability for self-managed learning in the preparation of coursework including
student presentations.
13. A synopsis of the curriculum
This course examines the portrayal of Japan in French and Belgian writing and culture from
the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries. Since Japan was opened to the West in the mid-19th
century, there has been a tradition of French literary japanophilia. The course will permit a
critical evaluation of the evolution of French 'japonisme', from its exoticist beginnings in the
work of Pierre Loti, through early 20th century theories of exoticism. We will examine the
portrayal of contemporary Japan in Amélie Nothomb's and Jacques Roubaud's work.
'Japoniste' images by French Impressionist painters will also be studied, as will Resnais's
post-war film Hiroshima mon amour and a cinematic adaptation of Nothomb's work. The
study of these texts and images will involve the exploration of themes such as: intercultural
understanding (or the lack thereof); the idealisation or demonisation of the other; the nature
of ‘Orientalism’; and the way in which French writers and artists turn to the foreign culture in
order to critique their own culture.
14. Indicative Reading List
Primary texts
Dossier of Impressionist and post-Impressionist paintings (any edition)
LOTI, P. Madame Chrysanthème
RESNAIS, A. Hiroshima mon amour [film]
ROUBAUD, J. Tokyo infra-ordinaire
NOTHOMB, A. Stupeur et tremblements
CORNEAU, A. Stupeur et tremblements [film]
15. Learning and Teaching Methods, including the nature and number of contact hours
and the total study hours which will be expected of students, and how these relate to
achievement of the intended learning outcomes
The module will be taught by means of a weekly lecture (one hour), and a weekly seminar
(one hour) for 10 weeks.
Total contact hours: 20.
Total study hours: 150.
Lectures and seminars will normally be conducted mainly in French. Students will be asked
to prepare presentations for seminars and to contribute to general discussion. The
alternation of small-group and large-group discussion will give students confidence to
formulate their own ideas and to share them with a larger group. Time will also be made
available for supervision and discussion of essays. These various elements will facilitate
students’ achievement of the intended learning outcomes by developing their
communication, reading and general knowledge of the French language and French culture,
and their independent research skills and analytical skills (subject specific outcomes 1-5;
generic learning outcomes 1-4).
16. Assessment methods and how these relate to testing achievement of the intended
learning outcomes
The final mark for the module will be based on the following elements:
If the module runs in the Autumn term:
Critical Writing Exercise (500 words): 20%
Essay (in English or in French – 2700 words): 60%
Oral presentation: 20%
If the module runs in the Spring term:
UNIVERSITY OF KENT
Essay (in English or in French – 2250 words): 40%
Oral presentation: 20%
Examination (summer term – 2 hours): 40%
The essay will be based on reading and analysis of both primary and secondary texts. As
preparation for the essay, students will complete a Critical Writing Exercise of 500 words in
which they will discuss the way a text expresses particular themes, using correctly
referenced filmic and textual evidence to support their argument. (11.2-5; 12.1-4).
If the module runs in the Autumn Term feedback on the Critical Writing Exercise will be
provided well in advance of the essay deadline.
If the module runs in the Spring term, feedback on the essay will be provided in Week 21
well in advance of the exam.
Students will also be required to give one oral presentation in French of approximately fifteen
minutes. (11.1-5; 12.1-4).
If the module runs in the Autumn term the module will be 100% coursework.
If the module runs in the Spring term, the examination will take place in the Summer Term.
The Exam will satisfy 11.1-4; 12.1-4.
17. Implications for learning resources, including staff, library, IT and space
Library resources: a small number of primary texts and supplementary secondary textbooks
will be required. These will be ordered well in advance.
18. The School recognises and has embedded the expectations of current disability
equality legislation, and supports students with a declared disability or special
educational need in its teaching. Within this module we will make reasonable
adjustments wherever necessary, including additional or substitute materials,
teaching modes or assessment methods for students who have declared and
discussed their learning support needs. Arrangements for students with declared
disabilities will be made on an individual basis, in consultation with the University’s
disability/dyslexia support service, and specialist support will be provided where
needed.
19. Campus(es) where module will be delivered:
Canterbury