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Department of Politics, Languages and International Studies, Unit Catalogue 2011/12


PL30019: French national option F5: French comedies from Molière to Beaumarchais

Click here for further information Credits: 6
Click here for further information Level: Honours (FHEQ level 6)
Click here for further information Period: Semester 1
Click here for further information Assessment: CW 33%, ES 67%
Click here for further information Supplementary Assessment: Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Click here for further information Requisites: Before taking this unit you must take EU20009
Click here for further information Description: Aims:
The unit is for those who wish to familiarize themselves with some of the classic comedies which have become central to French cultural consciousness and are still guaranteed to evoke an appropriate response in theatres today. The texts carry messages of social and political significance which must be evaluated, but it is essential for participants in the unit to be able to question them also as examples of French humour. Thus, the texts will be read critically and analytically to enable an apprehension of the social, political, and historical background seen within and through the context of the aesthetic and dramaturgical imperatives that informed the period under review. The approach will be thematic and structural rather than biographical or stylistic, and examples of universal applicability will be sought, e.g., Marivaux's insights into human sentiment, Beaumarchais's sardonic vision of political authority, and Molière's readiness to send up vacuous linguistic pomposity.

Learning Outcomes:
Familiarity with some of the classic comedies which have become central to French cultural consciousness and are still guaranteed to evoke an appropriate response in theatres today.

Skills:
Skills in critical analysis, conceptual thinking, precision in the use of written and spoken language, exercise of independent judgement, reasoned argument and the planning/conduct/reporting of non-quantitative research are taught and assessed in this unit.

Content:
Molère, L'Avare and Le Malade imaginaire.
Marivaux, Le Jeu de l'amour et du hasard and Les Fausses Confidences.
Beaumarchais, Le Barbier de Séville and Le Mariage de Figaro.
Click here for further informationProgramme availability:

PL30019 is Optional on the following programmes:

Department of Politics, Languages and International Studies
  • UHPL-AYB13 : BA (hons) French and Politics (Full-time with Year Abroad) - Year 4
  • UHPL-AYB08 : BA (hons) Modern Languages and European Studies (French and ab initio Italian) (Full-time with Year Abroad) - Year 4
  • UHPL-AYB09 : BA (hons) Modern Languages and European Studies (French and ab initio Russian) (Full-time with Year Abroad) - Year 4
  • UHPL-AYB05 : BA (hons) Modern Languages and European Studies (French and German) (Full-time with Year Abroad) - Year 4
  • UHPL-AYB04 : BA (hons) Modern Languages and European Studies (French and Italian) (Full-time with Year Abroad) - Year 4
  • UHPL-AYB03 : BA (hons) Modern Languages and European Studies (French and Russian) (Full-time with Year Abroad) - Year 4
  • UHPL-AYB18 : BA (hons) Modern Languages and European Studies (French and Spanish) (Full-time with Year Abroad) - Year 4
NB. Programmes and units are subject to change at any time, in accordance with normal University procedures.