French Literature 3
A.Y. 2026/2027
Learning objectives
The course aims to provide third-year specialist students with an overview of French Literature, from Renaissance to Classicism, and offers a focus on important texts of this period. A reflection is offered on the relationship - thematic, stylistic, cultural - between period and authors considered and modernity.
Expected learning outcomes
Knowledge: 1) An essential framework of French Literature, from Renaissance to Classicism, according to the authors considered, 2) Understanding basic elements in order to analyse texts' structure (metrical, stylistic, theatrical and narrative devices). Skills. 1) Ability to identify the main expressive features (stylistic, thematic and structural) of every literary work and recognize the author's identity in it 2) Ability to date literary works in chronological and cultural connection with modernity, 3) Ability to use coherently critical contributions 4) Ability to read works and identify themes and formal issues.
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
The Course is entitled: Effroi, énigme, fascination: monstres, ogres, créatures étranges du Classicisme à l'Âge moderne.
The course aims to analyse the meaning and forms of monstrosity in literature, starting with a number of French texts: a tragedy by Racine (Phèdre, 1677) that interprets the figure of the Minotaur, and a short story by Supervielle (Le Minotaure, 1939) that offers a contrasting interpretation; a story by Perrault (Le Petit Poucet, 1697) featuring the figure of the ogre and a story by Tournier (La fugue du Petit Poucet, 1979) that subverts its meaning; an anthology of nineteenth-century texts and two stories by Maupassant. The aim is to explore the complexity of the monstrous, understood as a prodigious and horrific phenomenon, which, in terms of appearance, behaviour and psyche, transgresses human characteristics, placing itself or being placed beyond the social, ethical and aesthetic norms with which a given community identifies. The aim is to reflect on the legitimacy of such recognition, the fears and contradictions it conceals, and to rethink the dynamics of an acceptance that also encompasses diversity.
The course aims to analyse the meaning and forms of monstrosity in literature, starting with a number of French texts: a tragedy by Racine (Phèdre, 1677) that interprets the figure of the Minotaur, and a short story by Supervielle (Le Minotaure, 1939) that offers a contrasting interpretation; a story by Perrault (Le Petit Poucet, 1697) featuring the figure of the ogre and a story by Tournier (La fugue du Petit Poucet, 1979) that subverts its meaning; an anthology of nineteenth-century texts and two stories by Maupassant. The aim is to explore the complexity of the monstrous, understood as a prodigious and horrific phenomenon, which, in terms of appearance, behaviour and psyche, transgresses human characteristics, placing itself or being placed beyond the social, ethical and aesthetic norms with which a given community identifies. The aim is to reflect on the legitimacy of such recognition, the fears and contradictions it conceals, and to rethink the dynamics of an acceptance that also encompasses diversity.
Prerequisites for admission
The course is held entirely in French, and the examination materials and bibliography presuppose skills in literary history, the use of terminology and critical analysis acquired in the previous courses of French Language and Literature 1 and 2
Teaching methods
Frontal teaching: presentation of the course, reflections on the meaning and forms of crime in literature in general and in the individual cultural periods considered; summary of the historical-literary context of each author considered; analysis of the texts in their various articulations (rhetorical and stylistic devices, theatrical and narrative structures). Part of the discussion is devoted to a joint debate with the students on the course's main theme and the ways in which literature explores it.
Attendance is not compulsory but strongly recommended.
Attendance is not compulsory but strongly recommended.
Teaching Resources
Bibliography for attending students and for non attendings students:
Jean Racine, Phèdre, any edition
Charles Perrault, Fiabe, con testo francese a fronte,
Jules de Supervielle, Minotaure, PDF from MyAriel
Michel Tournier, La fugue du petit poucet, PDF from MyAriel
Critical essays in PDF on MyAriel website by the end of October
Bibliography for non-attending students:
Additional critical Material in PDF by the end of October
Third part
A selection of anthological works (novels) and short stories uploaded to MyAriel in PDF format or via links to digital resources
PDF Critical essays PDF on MyAriel from November
For the third part: additional critical Material in PDF from November
Jean Racine, Phèdre, any edition
Charles Perrault, Fiabe, con testo francese a fronte,
Jules de Supervielle, Minotaure, PDF from MyAriel
Michel Tournier, La fugue du petit poucet, PDF from MyAriel
Critical essays in PDF on MyAriel website by the end of October
Bibliography for non-attending students:
Additional critical Material in PDF by the end of October
Third part
A selection of anthological works (novels) and short stories uploaded to MyAriel in PDF format or via links to digital resources
PDF Critical essays PDF on MyAriel from November
For the third part: additional critical Material in PDF from November
Assessment methods and Criteria
Oral Examination: The oral examination consists of an interview in French on the syllabus topic. The student will have to demonstrate the ability to reflect personally on the topic developed, building on the discussion held in class. The student will have to analyze the French texts presented in the course, be able to contextualize them (knowledge of the historical and literary context), be able to recognize the elements of mnstruosity, be able to comment on the individual texts in their various articulations (knowledge of rhetorical and stylistic devices, theatrical structures).
Assessment criteria: ability to situate the works analyzed within their cultural context; ability to use literary critical scholarship on the topic in a coherent manner; capacity for critical reasoning; quality of presentation; and competence in critical reflection on the meaning and the forms of monstrosity
Assessment criteria: ability to situate the works analyzed within their cultural context; ability to use literary critical scholarship on the topic in a coherent manner; capacity for critical reasoning; quality of presentation; and competence in critical reflection on the meaning and the forms of monstrosity
L-LIN/03 - FRENCH LITERATURE - University credits: 9
Lessons: 60 hours
Professors:
Paraboschi Francesca, Preda Alessandra
Educational website(s)
Professor(s)
Reception:
Tuesday, 9:00-12:00
Piazza Sant'Alessandro 1
Reception:
Tuesday from 2.30 to 7.30 pm.
square S.Alessandro 1, 2nd floor