Contemporary French Crime Fiction (Ordinary) (U03255)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 9 ? Acronym : LLC-3-FR0078

This option will look at the evolution of recent crime writing in France, from George Simenon to current best sellers such as Fred Vargas. It will examine crime writing as a literary genre, its history and its social relevance.

Through close analysis of a selection of texts, the course aims to encourage students to engage knowledgeably and critically with texts and ideas relating to literature, history of ideas and cultural issues. Topics to be studied include the following: social context, intertexuality, narrative voice and subjectivity, the acquisition of knowledge and the search for identity, linguistic and cultural signifiers, perception and narration, class and gender, justice and the law, reflexivity and narrative play; satire and pastiche; ambiguity and polyvalence.

Classes will focus on individual texts but include comparative elements. Students will be expected to do independent research on various topics, which will then be presented in class, to lead discussions and to submit a full-length essay at the end of the option.

Entry Requirements

? Pre-requisites : Ordinary Students only

Subject Areas

Home subject area

European Languages and Cultures - French, (School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures, Schedule G)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 3rd year

? Delivery Period : Semester 2 (Blocks 3-4)

? Contact Teaching Time : 2 hour(s) per week for 11 weeks

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Lecture	Thursday	11:10	13:00	Central

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

By the end of these courses students will be expected to show the
ability:
-to demonstrate sound knowledge and understanding of the chosen
specialism(s)
-to recognise and acknowledge the complexity of the subject
-to show an understanding of and apply competently relevant concepts and theories
-to construct coherent arguments which demonstrate an awareness of the problems posed by the texts/issues studied
-to demonstrate a high level of expression in both written and oral presentations -to offer alternative perspectives and show an awareness of contrasting viewpoints.