Critical analysis of Texts : the French Language Novel [ LROM1260 ]

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Excellent knowledge of French language

Detailed analysis of one or more novelistic works, notably by confronting some interpretations elaborated by specialists. This analysis leads to situate the text into the historical, social and cultural configuration in which it has been generated ; To isolate operating tools in order to analyse the novelistic gender ; to estimate the value and limits of the various methods and theoretical orientations in use.

Focalisation on the novelistic gender is not exclusive : in relation with the particular questions treated, works from other genders, or other arts, could also be taken in consideration. Students will work together in small groups which will allow other texts to be examined, facilitate learning and help students to have a practical involvement in their studies.

To be able to produce a relevant and illuminating analysis, with arguments, of a poetic text ;

To situate it on stylistic, aesthetical, historical and cultural levels ;

To evaluate the crossing between methodological tools and results ;

To write an analysis.

Students will individually analyse a text which has not been previously studied in either lectures or working groups. Their critical analysis will use methods seen in lectures and working groups.

Formal lectures and working groups. Attendance in working groups is compulsory. Absence without a valid excuse will have an impact in the final examination.

The work of Albert Camus is the main source material for this course. After a general introduction to his career as a writer and philosopher, and a brief analysis of le Mythe de Sisyphe, l'Envers et l'Endroit and l'Homme Révolté, an extremely detailed analysis of  L'Etranger will not only enable a link to be made between the thought and aesthetics of a writer and a particular work, but also a great number of different analysis techniques to be applied to this especially rich text.

L'étranger, Albert Camus.

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