French Culture I
A.Y. 2023/2024
Learning objectives
The aim of the course it to provide the student with several instruments to face the study and the research of some of the aspects of the French contemporary culture. At first, the student will be given a historic and sociological overview of the suburbs from the end of the Second World War until nowadays. Afterwards, we will focus on the literary and artistic representation from the Eighties until the recent literary phenomenon of the "banlieue literature". We will start from the historical-political contextualization in order to analyze the cultural roots and concentrate on some aspects that have conditioned the evolution of those places.
Expected learning outcomes
During the lessons the student will develop his skills through texts and videos in French, as well as his communicative abilities throughout the presentation and discussion of written texts and multimedia productions. It will be encouraged a critical thinking thanks to discussions, debates and group work.
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
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:
Women and the Media in Contemporary French Culture
The course will examine the dialogue between text and image from a female perspective. We will draw on literary works exploring intermediality, that is, the dialogue of the written word with photography, fictional cinema, documentary, virtual reality, and media, by asking whether themes and methods are characterized by gender identity. The constants of the writing of the self, autobiographical or autofiction, and the need for collaboration (through the theme of 'sorority') will be evident.
The course will alternate between theoretical and applied parts.
After introducing the concept of autofiction (through the reflections of writer Chloé Delaume) and "sorority" (through a collective work directed by Delaume herself), we will focus on the reading of the novel Ni toi ni moi by Camille Laurens, reflecting on the role of moving images in the literary practice of autofiction, showing how multimedia is now central to the identity construction of the subject. The cinematic transposition of the autobiographical genre will also be investigated, with space for a reflection on the creative process in the film works of Agnès Varda and Chantal Akerman.
Women and the Media in Contemporary French Culture
The course will examine the dialogue between text and image from a female perspective. We will draw on literary works exploring intermediality, that is, the dialogue of the written word with photography, fictional cinema, documentary, virtual reality, and media, by asking whether themes and methods are characterized by gender identity. The constants of the writing of the self, autobiographical or autofiction, and the need for collaboration (through the theme of 'sorority') will be evident.
The course will alternate between theoretical and applied parts.
After introducing the concept of autofiction (through the reflections of writer Chloé Delaume) and "sorority" (through a collective work directed by Delaume herself), we will focus on the reading of the novel Ni toi ni moi by Camille Laurens, reflecting on the role of moving images in the literary practice of autofiction, showing how multimedia is now central to the identity construction of the subject. The cinematic transposition of the autobiographical genre will also be investigated, with space for a reflection on the creative process in the film works of Agnès Varda and Chantal Akerman.
Prerequisites for admission
It is necessary to have a B2 level in French because the course will be taught in French.
Teaching methods
A preferred workshop approach that encourages an active learner attitude toward knowledge based on curiosity and challenge rather than a passive attitude will be preferred.
Teaching Resources
Bibliography for attending students
Chloé Delaume, La règle du je. Autofiction : un essai, Paris, PUF, 2010 (also in Kindle format).
Jeanne Marie Clerc, Littérature et cinéma, Paris, Nathan "Université", 1993
Chloé Delaume, Sororité, Paris, Points, 2021 (also in Kindle format).
Camille Laurens, Ni toi ni moi, Paris, Gallimard, 2014.
A Selection of essays and texts edited by the lecturers will be available on the course's Ariel page (in Materials).
Non-attending students are invited to contact the lecturer before taking the exam.
Chloé Delaume, La règle du je. Autofiction : un essai, Paris, PUF, 2010 (also in Kindle format).
Jeanne Marie Clerc, Littérature et cinéma, Paris, Nathan "Université", 1993
Chloé Delaume, Sororité, Paris, Points, 2021 (also in Kindle format).
Camille Laurens, Ni toi ni moi, Paris, Gallimard, 2014.
A Selection of essays and texts edited by the lecturers will be available on the course's Ariel page (in Materials).
Non-attending students are invited to contact the lecturer before taking the exam.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The examination will consist of an oral interview in French to verify the acquisition of the theoretical notions transmitted and the ability to read the texts and rework the concepts critically.
L-LIN/03 - FRENCH LITERATURE - University credits: 6
Lessons: 40 hours
Professors:
Capotorti Roberta, Riva Silvia
Educational website(s)
Professor(s)