This course offers an introduction to literature in French. A study of major authors and genres in their cultural contexts, it aims to build knowledge of key moments in French literary history, cultivate familiarity with the formal elements of a literary work and facilitate acquisition of the critical tools necessary to analyse, discuss and write about literature in French. The specific focus of the course will reflect the interests and expertise of the convenor; readings may thus include works of prose, poetry, theatre and criticism and will explore a range of literary movements, including realism, theatre of the absurd, écriture feminine and immigrant and minority writing. In each instance, the literary text will serve as a springboard for critical discussions of history, society and artistic endeavour in the francophone world.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- critically analyse literary texts of a range of forms, periods, and genres and in relation to specific historical contexts;
- compare and contextualise complex viewpoints in French;
- formulate, present, and evaluate original arguments in written and oral French; and
- engage in extensive critical dialogue with classmates and convener in French.
Other Information
This course may be completed more than once if taken with a different topic each time.
Indicative Assessment
- Weekly comprehension exercises (2000 words) (15) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Oral presentation (10min) (25) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- In-class test (50min) (25) [LO 1,2,3]
- In-class essay (90min, 750 words)
(25) [LO 1,2,3] - Participation (10) [LO 1,2,3,4]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
130 hours of total student learning time made up from:
a) 36 hours of contact over 12 weeks: 3 hours of class time per week, and
b) 94 hours of independent student research, reading and writing.
Inherent Requirements
Not applicable
Requisite and Incompatibility
You will need to contact the School of Literature, Languages and Linguistics to request a permission code to enrol in this course.
Prescribed Texts
Details will be provided on Wattle texts to be acquired in line with convener's expertise and teaching plan; other written and audio-visual materials will be posted on Wattle as required throughout the semester.
Assumed Knowledge
This course assumes a minimum of B2 level of French competency (equivalent to Credit level in FREN3102 or higher) as per the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 1
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $4320 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $5580 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3492 | 23 Feb 2026 | 02 Mar 2026 | 31 Mar 2026 | 29 May 2026 | In Person | N/A |