Course description
ENG: The present module will focus on the evolution of French short narrative during the 19th century, particularly with the rise of the genre fantastique. While the theoretical component of the course will tackle the definition of the genre and the much-debated distinction between fantastic, fantasy, and science-fiction, the class discussion will also include insights into the sociology of 19th-century literature in France, namely in terms of readership, editorial practice, and gender issues connected to this type of narrative. The syllabus includes short stories by Prosper Mérimée, Théophile Gautier, Honoré de Balzac, Auguste de Villiers de l’Isle-Adam, Guy de Maupassant, Renée Vivien, and others. Course taught in English. Reading skills in French are nonetheless recommended.
PT: Esta unidade curricular centrar-se-á na evolução da narrativa curta francesa durante o século XIX, particularmente na sua relação com o surgimento do genre fantastique. Embora a componente teórica do curso aborde a definição do género e a tão debatida distinção entre fantástico, fantasy e ficção científica, a discussão também incluirá conhecimentos sobre a sociologia da literatura do século XIX em França, nomeadamente em termos de leitores, práticas editoriais e questões de género ligadas a esse tipo de narrativa. O programa inclui contos de Prosper Mérimée, Théophile Gautier, Honoré de Balzac, Auguste de Villiers de l’Isle-Adam, Guy de Maupassant, Renée Vivien entre outros. Curso em inglês. Competências de leitura em francês são, no entanto, preferenciais.
Assessment
Course attendance and participation (20%): students are required to attend regularly during the semester, read the materials assigned for each class, and actively participate in the class discussion. Participation in the discussion may entail comments on the texts, questions, and written notes emailed directly to the instructor. I appreciate and am willing to reward any effort in this sense.
Midterm exam (20%): the written midterm exam will consist in a blend of close- and open-ended questions, as well as a short close reading exercise based on a short passage drawn from one of the texts encountered in the first six weeks of the semester.
Weekly comments on Moodle (20%): (Weeks 2-13) students will be required to post weekly comments in the Discussion threads opened for each corresponding week on Moodle. The class will be divided in two groups (groups will be posted on Moodle by the end of Week 1). Group A will be active on Weeks 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, while Group B will be active on Weeks 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13. Students are required to share individual posts of 150-200 words in either English or French with their reflections and/or questions in relation to the reading assigned for the Thursday session. I do not ask to provide a summary of the reading but to propose useful reflections or questions that can be used during the class discussion. The weekly deadline to post comments on the discussion board is Wednesday (20:00).
Final essay (40%): this assignment will consist in a final argumentative essay of 2000-2500 words on a topic chosen by the student. More specific guidelines will follow during the semester.