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:
FR638 - French Detective Fiction
2. The Department which will be responsible for management of the module:
SECL (French)
3. The Start Date of the Module:
2013 – revised 2015
4. The number of students expected to take the module:
25
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 Modules to be withdrawn on the introduction of this proposed module and consultation with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 (e.g. Certificate [C], Intermediate [I], Honours [H] or Postgraduate [M])
I
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:
Students should have successfully completed FR300 or have ability in French language equivalent
to FR300 or above.
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 knowledge and understanding of French detective writing and the
development of this genre from the 19th century onwards;
11.2 demonstrate analytical and critical skills for the study of structure, prose technique,
cinema, and the rules of genre and be able to critically evaluate the appropriateness or
otherwise of these skills when it comes to approaching and perhaps resolving questions
within the subject;
11.3 demonstrate their skills in close reading and evaluation of literary texts and of film and be
able to transfer and apply these skills in various contexts;
11.4 participate in discussion (in French), make their own contributions to the discussion and
listen to and respect the contributions of others;
11.5 demonstrate an improved ability to communicate effectively in French and in English;
11.6 demonstrate improved reading speed in French.
12. The intended generic learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete the module will be able to:
UNIVERSITY OF KENT
12.1 participate in discussion (in English and in French), make their own contributions to the
discussion and listen to and respect the contributions of others;
12.2 demonstrate a developed ability to communicate information and arguments effectively,
both in writing and orally;
12.3 write cogent, well-constructed essays supported by textual evidence;
12.4 run seminars independently;
12.5 reflect on their own learning, plan their use of time, and identify appropriate directions for
further study;
12.6 Undertake independent research in the library collections.
13. A synopsis of the curriculum
Detective fiction is an extremely popular genre whose basic template can give rise to a multitude of
approaches, settings, plots and values. This course is designed to give students an overview of the
tradition of French crime fiction as it has evolved from the mid-19th century to the early 21st century.
Short crime fiction, full crime novels, and film will be analysed. Close attention will be paid to generic
conventions, and how they alter over time. Questions of social order and disorder will be central to
our enquiry. We will also study the extent to which detective novels mount a critique of contemporary
society. All texts are studied in French and teaching is partly in English, partly in French.
14. Indicative Reading List
Primary texts (any edition):
POE, E.A., translated by BAUDELAIRE, C. [1856]
Excerpts from Histoires extraordinaires,
LEROUX, G. [1907]
Le Mystère de la Chambre jaune [any edition]
PODALYDES, B. [2003]
Le Mystère de la Chambre jaune [film]
BOILEAU-NARCEJAC [1952] Celle qui n’était plus [any edition]
CLOUZOT, H-G. [1955]
Les Diaboliques [film]
DAENINCKX, D. [1984]
Meurtres pour mémoire [any edition]
VARGAS, F. [2002]
Salut et liberté [any edition]
Secondary texts (any edition):
TODOROV, T. [1980]
GORRARA, C. [2003]
‘Typologie du roman policier’ in Poétique de la prose. Paris : Seuil.
The Roman Noir in Post-War French Culture: Dark Fictions. Oxford:
Oxford University Press
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 in partly in French, partly in English. 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. (Subject specific learning outcomes 11.1-6;
generic learning outcomes 12.1, 2, 4). Time will also be made available for supervision and
discussion of essays (Subject specific learning outcomes 11.1-3; generic learning outcomes 12.3, 5,
6).
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 (350-500 words): 20%
Essay (in English or in French – 2400 words): 60%
Oral presentation: 20%
UNIVERSITY OF KENT
If the module runs in the Spring term:
Essay (in English or in French – 2000 words): 40%
Oral presentation: 20%
Examination (two hours, summer term): 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 350-500 words in
which they will discuss the way a text expresses particular themes, using correctly referenced filmic
and textual evidence to support their argument. (Subject specific learning outcomes 11.1-6; generic
learning outcomes 12.3, 5, 6).
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. (Subject specific learning outcomes 11.1-6; generic learning outcomes 12.1, 2, 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.
17. Implications for learning resources, including staff, library, IT and space
None.
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