Aims

The general purpose of this course is to give a view, with as many nuances as possible, of the concept " French language ", through time and space and through the variety of its users and usages.

Main themes

Reflection on the history notion of the language, with comments at given period of this history.

Content and teaching methods

1. Methodological reflection on the historical notion of the language (external and internal history). The linguistic and history methods having known a lot of evolution since the work of Ferdinand Brunot, questions will be asked on the links between language and time ( problem of " periodisation " and of linguistic change) and other questions on the relations between language and society.
2. A given period is analysed (Renaissance, XVIIIth century ...) by basing ourselves for instance on the analysis of non-literary documents, on theorethical reference works, available at the considered age.

Other information (prerequisite, evaluation (assessment methods), course materials recommended readings, ...)

Evaluation : Oral exam with paper to present at the exam.

Teaching material : selective bibliography.

Other credits in programs