FREN2031: SEX, GENDER AND IDENTITY IN THE MIDDLE AGES AND THE RENAISSANCE

• French Language 1 (FREN1011) OR French Language 1B (FREN1012) OR an equivalent qualification to the satisfaction of the Chairman/Chairwoman of the Board of Studies in MLAC or his/her representative.

• Modern Languages, Combined Honours and all Joint and 'with' programmes: French Language 2 (FREN2051) OR French Language 2B (FREN2111). Other: see Chairman/Chairwoman of the Board of Studies in MLAC or his/her representative.

• None.

• To introduce students to the literature of France in the Middle Ages and in the 16th century by the careful study of six major texts.
• It is intended that students should learn to read the texts in the original language and should understand them in their literary, historical and cultural context.

• Text studied in this module will vary depending on staff availability but will be selected in order to support the learning outcomes of the course by fitting in with its thematic and ensuring appropriate range.
• The set texts may vary from year to year, but will consist of a selection of medieval and Renaissance French literary works related to the main themes of the module. See module webpage for current set texts.

Subject-specific Knowledge:

• By the end of this module, students should have acquired primarily a close knowledge of the content of major texts from the period.
• They should also have extended their knowledge of the language of the period through the close study of texts in the original and should be capable of approaching other texts in the original with considerable confidence.
• Students should also have become aware of many of the key cultural and intellectual issues of the period before 1600, particularly issues of identity, sex and gender.

Subject-specific Skills:

• Improved reading skills in French and techniques of literary analysis.

Key Skills:

• Skills in written argument and presentation.
• Further develop written communication skills.

• The course is delivered through a series of lectures taking place weekly throughout the teaching year, normally with one term devoted to the Middle Ages and one to the Renaissance.
• The class will also be divided into smaller groups for seminar work, and students will be assigned to a seminar group.
• The seminars will take place every two weeks and may concentrate on the close study of representative passages taken from the set of texts, or broader issues relating the texts to critical concerns for the study of the period.
• They are required to attend all seminars and are expected to prepare themselves for classes and participate actively in discussions.

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