Aims

Introduces students to texts that illustrate the different currents of thought that influenced new literature throughout the century, and in particular before the Second World War.

Main themes

Analysis of representative texts by major 20th-century authors (mainly of the first half of the century), highlighting the key aspects of revolt and of political, philosophical, or aesthetic commitment. Reference is made to the historical and political context, in particular in relation to the growing polarisation between the extreme right and the extreme left.

Content and teaching methods

The question of ideological commitment is one that has been faced by French literature many times in the course of the century. Ideological pressure, moreover, was more intense than ever during this period. Taking authors that are representative of different currents, the place of these ideologies - and the traces left by them - in literature is analysed, as is the role that literature played in the dissemination of these ideologies. For the most part, the authors chosen are from the first half of the century.

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

Evaluation: personal reading by students is encouraged, in order to flesh out their understanding and to be able to back up their arguments during the examination. This is in written form (a question to be explored and discussed with reference to examples seen during the course and drawn from personal reading).

Other credits in programs