FRA21123 The nineteenth-century French novel: realism and desire (Autumn 2025)

Facts about the course

ECTS Credits:
10
Responsible faculty:
Faculty of Teacher Education and Languages
Campus:
Online
Course Leader:
Annika Mörte Alling
Teaching language:
French
Duration:
½ year

Table of contents

The course is affiliated to the following study programme

Compulsary course in French Specialization in the Bachelor's Programme in Languages.

Required prerequisite knowledge

Passed One-year French Programme or equivalent education of a minimum of 60 credits.

Teaching semester

Bachelor's Programme in Languages (French language specialization): 5. semester (autumn).

As a single course: Every autumn in odd-numbered years.

Content

The literature from 19th-century France is treated, with a focus on the realistic novel which grew strongly during this century. Central themes are addressed, such as realism and "desire" beyond reality, the relationship between the countryside and Paris, as well as the role of reading for the characters. In addition, the syllabus will contain relevant specialist literature.

The student's learning outcomes on passing the course

Knowledge

The student

  • has knowledge of French literature in the 19th century
  • has knowledge of the literary historical and social context of the works
  • has knowledge of French literary theory and analysis

Skills:

The student

  • can work independently with French-language texts and present them both in writing and orally in French
  • can recognize and explain literary devices in the texts and understand their function
  • can knowledge of French literary theory and analysis
  • can explain the individual text's cultural context and characteristics

General competence

The student

  • has increased understanding of French-language literature and literary history, as well as literary analysis
  • can independently analyze the text's content, form and various tools
  • can put the texts into their historical, cultural and social context
  • can find and apply relevant scientific literature and use professional terms in connection with text analysis in order to discuss different interpretation possibilities

Teaching and learning methods

The teaching is conducted through online meetings with the possibility of individual guidance by appointment. The University college's learning platform is used for distributing foundational documents, central study material, assignments, guidance, and other relevant information about the course. The teaching platform is used for online meetings in the form of lectures and guidance sessions. Self-study is included in the learning methods.

Workload

Approximately 280 hours.

Coursework requirements - conditions for taking the exam

One (1) written assignment of approx. 1500 words, reference list excluded.

The required coursework is assessed as approved / not approved. Required coursework must be approved before the student can sit for the exam.

Exam

Individual oral exam, duration approx. 30 minutes.

The exam is in French, and is carried out digitally.

Aids such as syllabus, notes and dictionary are permitted.

Grade scale A-F.

Examiners

Internal or external sensor(s).

Course evaluation

Feedback from our students is crucial in order to develop the best possible courses and study programmes. This course is evaluated in the following way:

  • Mid-semester evaluation/mid-term evaluation and final evaluation

The results are processed by/in:

  • Teaching team
  • Head of studies
  • Program committee

Reading list

The current reading list for 2025 Autumn can be found in Leganto
Last updated from FS (Felles studentsystem) Oct. 15, 2026 8:32:55 AM