European Literature and Languages: Historical Perspectives (LANG303)

This is a repeatable unit. However, topics/subjects, are not repeatable and the unit cannot be undertaken more than once in any one teaching period. Enrolment is subject to unit coordinator (or delegate) approval.

Students must apply for permission to enrol at least three weeks prior to the commencement of the relevant Trimester.

Topics/subjects for French and Italian change biennially.

2027 topics/subjects

Trimester 1

• French:

Women in French Texts

The role of women in France has changed over time and French literature, like all literature, reflects their society’s values and beliefs. When studying this topic/subject you will focus on representations of women in French literature from the Middle Ages to the 20th century, situating texts within their historical, cultural, political and social context. You will use your advanced French language skills to conduct a close textual analysis of the prescribed works and extend your reading and writing skills to a high level. In this topic/subject you will be introduced to important French literary movements and discuss their critical reception by the scholarly community. Because the topic/subject spans a broad time period, it provides you with a global view of women in literature whilst also allowing close analysis of relationships and connections between the specific texts and authors studied. This topic/subject will enhance your understanding of French culture.

There are no Italian or Spanish topics/subjects available in LANG303 in Trimester 1.

Trimester 2

• Italian: 

Italian Renaissance Literature

This topic/subject introduces you to the dynamic literary activity of the Italian Renaissance and gives a perspective of the literary trends of this period. You will critically analyse a range of advanced texts in the context of the socio-political and philosophical situation of Renaissance Italy in the 15th and 16th century. You will explore a variety of literary genres, including epic, drama and political and moral treatises, which influenced all later European cultures. Extend your advanced level language skills and your understanding of the foundations of Italian culture when you learn more about Italian literature and those who produced it.

• Spanish:

Travellers' Tales: The Invention of Latin America

In many ways, literature defines society by reflecting the attitudes and values of the writer and the depiction of society at large. This topic/subject gives you an exploration of how the Latin American people, landscape and culture have been defined through the writings of European, North American and Australasian travellers. Studying this history will enable you to appreciate how the concept of Latin America has evolved since Columbus's writing, and to develop a deeper perception of Latin American culture. The focus of the topic/subject is of particular interest to Australasian students because of the intercultural links between Oceania and Latin America.

There are no French topics/subjects available in LANG303 in Trimester 2.