French

Credit Points

10

Course Coordinator

Dr G Hesketh

Pre-requisites

Some prior knowledge of Modern French is assumed

Co-requisites

None

Notes

Overview

The course will be based on a close study of extracts from authentic texts. It will consider the spelling problems these texts present, and suggest strategies for using Old French dictionaries. It will also make a systematic study of the morphological and syntactic structures displayed in the texts, and any general lexical problems they embody. Each week there will be exercises designed to reinforce students' understanding, mostly involving translation from Old French into English, but sometimes translating from English into Old French. Initially the course will look at "Classical" Old French, but it will later introduce texts written in the major literary dialects, and from earlier and later periods, as appropriate.

Structure

10 one-hour seminars (1 per week for 10 weeks)

Assessment

100% Continuous Assessment (practical exercises in translation).

Credit Points

40

Course Coordinator

Professor M Syrotinski

Pre-requisites

Available only to registered postgraduate students

Overview

This course provides a theoretical foundation for comparative literature and thought in two complementary ways:
1) the analysis of a series of case studies in cross-cultural traffic of ideas and of cultural forms;
2) the study of key theoretical accounts of cultural encounter, translation and transfer, cultural hospitality and alterity.
These questions are addressed in a range of European and postcolonial contexts, through the close analysis of texts available for study either in the original or in English translation, as befits the academic background of individual students.

Structure

2 two-hour seminars per week

Assessment

Continuous assessment: Essay 1 40%; Essay 2 60%
Resit: Not normally applicable

Credit Points

10

Course Coordinator

Dr M A Jubb

Pre-requisites

FR5006 (Reading Medieval French) or demonstrable proficiency in reading medieval French

Co-requisites

At least 40 further credits' worth of elective courses.

Overview

The course will begin with an introduction to the phenomenon of courtly love in its social and cultural context. It will then proceed to a detailed examination of selected texts, including a selection from : 'Treatise on love' by Andreas Capellanus; lyric poetry; 'lais' by Marie de France; 'Erec et Enide' by Chretien de Troyes; 'Roman de la Rose' (Part I by Guillaume de Lorris).

Structure

10 one-hour seminars (1 per week for 10 weeks).

Assessment

100% Continuous Assessment: 1 essay (2,500 - 3,000 words)

Credit Points

10

Course Coordinator

Dr M A Jubb

Pre-requisites

FR5006 (Reading Medieval French) or demonstrable proficiency in reading medieval French

Co-requisites

None

Notes

Overview

The course will begin with an introduction to the interpenetration of literature and history in the Middle Ages, and with an outline of the crusading movement. It will then proceed to a detailed examination of selected texts, covering historiography, epic, lyric poetry, drama and romance. The texts studied will include: Ambroise, Estoire de la guerre sainte; Robert de Clari, La Conquete de Constantinople; chanson de Roland; chansons de croisade by a variety of poets; poems by Rutebeuf; Bodel, Jeu de Saint Nicolas, prose Saladin.

Structure

10 one-hour seminars (1 per week for 10 weeks)

Assessment

1 Essay (2,500 - 3,000 words)

Credit Points

20

Course Coordinator

Professor Alison Saunders

Pre-requisites

Available only to students in Programme year 5 with a reading knowledge of French

Overview

The emblem phenomenon was an important socio-cultural force in Europe throughout the early modern period. Printed emblem books, exploiting the combination of word and image, were in themselves effective educational tools, but they were also a source of iconographic inspiration for artists and craftsmen working in other domains, including wall and ceiling painting, tapestry, embroidery, woodcarving etc. In the development of emblematic materials France was several decades ahead of the rest of Europe. The course will examine a number of French emblem books, noting the diversity of approach and interpretation which can be adopted, and analysing the ways in which emblematic materials can be used for moral, satirical or informative purposes, but also for religious and political propaganda. Throughout the course there will be an emphasis on the use of primary sources and students will be encouraged to think comparatively.

Structure

Assessment

1st Attempt: Continuous assessment (100%)
Resit: Not normally applicable

Credit Points

20

Course Coordinator

Professor Christopher Fynsk

Pre-requisites

Available only to registered postgraduate students

Overview

In the light of guidance from and negotiation with their appointed supervisor, each student will devise an individual training programme aimed at developing their competence in a broad research field, and identifying and developing the research skills required by their prospective dissertation topic. The outcome of this individual programme will take the form of a 2500-word research proposal for their MLitt dissertation, accompanied by an annotated bibliography.

Structure

Specific arrangements are a matter for negotiation between supervisor and supervisee. Normally, there should be regular meetings throughout the Second Half-Session, totalling between 12 and 24 contact hours.

Assessment

1st Attempt: Continuous assessment: preparation of draft Bibliography and Dissertation abstract
Resit: Not normally applicable

Credit Points

20

Course Coordinator

TBC

Pre-requisites

Available only to registered postgraduate students

Overview

This course examines the relationship between narrative, culture and history, focusing in particular on the following core topics: narrative theory and practice; narration and the nation; cultural memory, historical trauma and narrative representation.
These questions are addressed in a range of European and postcolonial contexts, through the close analysis of texts available for study either in the original or in English translation, as befits the academic background of individual students.

Structure

1 two-hour seminar per week

Assessment

1st Attempt: Continuous assessment: Essay 1 40%; Essay 2 60%
Resit: Not normally applicable

Credit Points

20

Course Coordinator

Professor Michael Syrotinski

Pre-requisites

Available only to registered postgraduate students

Overview

This course examines the relationship between writing, memory and identity, focusing in particular on the following core topics: theory and practice of autobiography and testimony; questions of gender, sexuality and ethnicity; psychoanalytic theories and approaches.
These questions are addressed in a range of European and postcolonial contexts, through the close analysis of texts available for study either in the original or in English translation, as befits the academic background of individual students.

Structure

1 two-hour seminar per week

Assessment

Continuous assessment: Essay 1 40%, Essay 2 60%
Resit: Not normally applicable

Credit Points

60

Course Coordinator

Professor Christopher Fynsk

Pre-requisites

Available only to registered postgraduate students

Overview

Each student will be required to research and write a 15000-word dissertation on a topic and in an area approved by the Programme Coordinator, and under the guidance of their appointed supervisor.

Structure

Specific arrangements are a matter for negotiation between supervisor and supervisee. There should be regular meetings throughout the period of supervision; typically, these would be fortnightly meetings totalling an average of 12 contact hours.

Assessment

1st Attempt: Continuous assessment : 15,000-word dissertation 100%
Resit: Not normally applicable