Course finder
Semester 2
Seventeenth Century French Theatre (Ordinary) (ELCF09013)
Subject
European Languages and Cultures - French
College
CAHSS
Credits
20
Normal Year Taken
3
Delivery Session Year
2023/2024
Pre-requisites
In order to be eligible to take 3rd/4th Year Options, Visiting Students should have the equivalent of at least two years of study at University level of the appropriate language(s) and culture(s).
Course Summary
The literature of the seventeenth century reflects some important religious and political trends. After a brief exposition of theatre under the reign of Louis XIII, this course will look at the impact of absolute monarchy and Jansenism on the literature in the second half of the century.
Course Description
This course will trace the representation of the human condition from the triumph of the hero (Corneille) to 'la démolition du héros' (Racine) following the decline of the aristocracy and the rise of the bourgeoisie under Louis XIV (Molière). Through close analysis of a selection of texts, the course aims to encourage students to engage knowledgeably and critically with texts and ideas relating to literature, philosophy and the history of ideas. Topics to be studied include the following: social context, linguistic and cultural signifiers, It will also examine notions of genre, Baroque, neo-classicism and metatheatre. Classes will focus on individual texts but include comparative elements. Students will be expected to do independent research on various topics, which will then be presented in class, and to lead discussions.
Assessment Information
Written Exam 0%, Coursework 100%, Practical Exam 0%
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Disclaimer
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