Contemporary French Literature

A.Y. 2023/2024
9
Max ECTS
60
Overall hours
SSD
L-LIN/03
Language
Italian
Learning objectives
The course aims at learning the foundations of the French contemporary literature as a heterogeneous cultural model and aims to consolidate the knowledge through readings aimed at emphasize the importance of the plurality of perspectives in the literary space. The course also aims to deepen the skills of critical reading and to provide methods and tools necessary for the analysis and interpretation of any literary text.
Expected learning outcomes
1, Students will be able to contextualize the evolution of French-language literature in relation to the main historical and cultural developments of the French cultural space, They will be able to grasp specific themes and motives of French contemporary literature with appropriate terminology and will be able to deepen the texts with appropriate methods and tools of analysis, 2) Students will be able to develop autonomy and flexibility in understanding the literary issues addressed during this course, They will then be able to answer questions of an interpretative and non-notional nature about texts and cultural contexts, developing critical skills, autonomy and awareness in the study of course topics, 3) Students will be able to examine texts and arguments in a comparative and critical manner and understand their concepts, structure and contexts, 4) Students will use notions and methodologies of literary criticism and related disciplines, looking for sources for documentation and knowing how to use bibliographic tools, both in traditional and electronic form.
Single course

This course can be attended as a single course.

Course syllabus and organization

Single session

Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
Title. Court cases in 21st century French fiction: interrogating truths and post-truths in the contemporary world.
The course will analyze three novels published in the 2000s in France, representing actual court cases literarily examined and revisited as their common denominator. Indeed, law and literature share the practice of narrative as elucidation and interpretation of the world, as well as a complex and often contradictory relationship with morality. The literary portrayal of the judicial process or the exposition of facts that will constitute its proof boasts illustrious examples throughout time (think of The Merchant of Venice, The Brothers Karamazov, The Trial, and The Stranger). However, contemporary authors use it in a new, non-investigative way: it is not, in fact, about unraveling a police riddle, nor is it about delving into the psychological identity of the guilty or the wronged. Instead, it is a matter of realistically illustrating the narrative dynamics of the contemporary world, constantly in between truth and post-truth, in which victim and perpetrator often switch roles.
The course will alternate theoretical parts (of literary history and theory) with analysis of the novels, which will be partially read and commented on in class.
Prerequisites for admission
Students are required to have a basic competence in textual analysis. Knowledge of French is not necessary as the course is taught in Italian
Teaching methods
Although the number of attending students is high and favors lectures, a workshop approach will be preferred that encourages an active learner attitude towards knowledge based on curiosity and challenge rather than a passive attitude.
Teaching Resources
Novels:

Emmanuel Carrère, L'Adversaire, Paris, P.O.L., 2000; trad. It. L'avvversario, traduzione di Eliana Vicari Fabris, Adelphi, 2000, p. 161 (anche in formato Kindle).

Edouard Louis, Histoire de la violence, Paris, Seuil, 2016; trad. it. Storia della violenza, traduzione di Fabrizio Ascari, Milano, Bompiani, 2016, p. 171 (anche in formato Kindle)

Karine Tuil, Les choses humaines, Paris, Gallimard, 2019; Le cose umane, traduzione di Fabrizio Ascari, Milano, La Nave di Teseo, 2021, p. 352 (anche in formato Kindle).


Bibliography:
In addition to the materials in PDF format and downloadable links in the Ariel portal, attending students should study the following critical introductory essay on contemporary French fiction:
G. Rubino (a cura di), Il romanzo francese contemporaneo, Bari, Laterza, 2012.

Non-attending students should also complete their preparation by studying parts of the following essay:

G. Forti - C. Mazzucato - A. Visconti (a cura di), Giustizia e Letteratura III, Milano, Vita&Pensiero, 2016.Study only the following parts: Introduzione e Parte Prima: Per un discorso sul 'metodo letterario' in campo giuridico. https://www.vitaepensiero.it/scheda-libro_contenitore/autori-vari/giustizia-e-letteratura-iii-9788834331194-333002.html
Assessment methods and Criteria
The examination will consist of an oral interview in Italian to verify the acquisition of the theoretical notions transmitted and the ability to read the texts and rework the concepts critically.
Unita' didattica A
L-LIN/03 - FRENCH LITERATURE - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Unita' didattica B
L-LIN/03 - FRENCH LITERATURE - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Unita' didattica C
L-LIN/03 - FRENCH LITERATURE - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
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