Les voix de la littérature française
Leader
Madame Muti
Cohort
Max 12 Students
Timing
TBC
Course Overview
This course introduces key works and authors in French literature from the classical period to the present day. Through novels, plays and short stories, it explores major themes such as love, identity, society, history and justice. Each seminar focuses on a different author and cultural context, encouraging close reading and discussion of how literature reflects and shapes society.
Key Benefits
- Develop close reading and analytical skills through a range of key French literary texts.
- Explore major themes such as love, identity, society, history and human experience.
- Gain insight into how literature reflects cultural and historical change in France.
- Strengthen the ability to interpret and discuss complex ideas with confidence.
- Build a deeper appreciation of major French authors and their lasting influence.
Course Structure
Seminar 1: Contemporary French Bestsellers – Guillaume Musso and Marc Levy
An introduction to two of France’s most popular contemporary authors. We will explore themes such as love, fate, relationships and personal change, while discussing what makes a bestseller.
Seminar 2: Régine Deforges – Literature and History
Through extracts from La Bicyclette bleue, we will explore life during the Second World War, focusing on memory, resilience and women’s experiences.
Seminar 3: Marcel Pagnol – Childhood and Family
Using extracts from La Gloire de mon père and Le Château de ma mère, we will discuss family relationships, childhood memories and life in Provence.
Seminar 4: Guy de Maupassant – The Short Story
Through famous short stories we will explore realism, social class and the art of telling a powerful story in just a few pages.
Seminar 5: George Sand – Freedom and Identity
We will discover one of the most important female writers of the nineteenth century and explore themes of independence, love and social expectations.
Seminar 6: Victor Hugo – Literature and Social Justice
Through extracts from Les Misérables and Notre-Dame de Paris, we will examine poverty, inequality and the power of literature to inspire change.
Seminar 7: Voltaire – Humour and Social Criticism
Using extracts from Candide, we will explore how humour and satire can be used to question society, politics and accepted ideas.
Seminar 8: Molière – Comedy and Human Nature
Through extracts from plays such as Tartuffe and L’Avare, we will explore comedy, hypocrisy and why Molière’s characters still feel relevant today.