Key facts
UNE unit code: FREN506
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Not offered in 2026
- Yes
- No
- No
- 6
Unit information
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 unit 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 unit you will be introduced to important French literary movements and discuss their critical reception by the scholarly community.
Because the unit 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 unit will enhance your understanding of French culture.
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
If you have completed LANG303 topic: Women in French Texts, you can not enrol in FREN506.
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- critically analyse, interpret and formulate an original response to selected French and Francophone literary works;
- critically analyse and evaluate the depiction of women in French texts according to the socio-political context in which the works were conceived;
- demonstrate specialised knowledge of the narrative devices and themes in texts as they relate to the portrayal of women;
- apply advanced-level language (French language specialists only) and research skills to a critical reading of French and/or Francophone texts;
- demonstrate competence and accuracy in writing about complex aesthetic, historical, etc. issues relating to literary texts; and
- independently research literary scholarship and draw on this to frame an argument in relation to a text.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay and Commentary | Yes | 50% | All offerings | Students specialising in French are expected to write their essay in French (commentary can be in either French or English). No. Words: 3000 (equivalent) |
| Take Home Exam | Yes | 50% | All offerings | Open-book essay written in French or English, on at least two of the texts covered in the unit. No. Words: 2500 (equivalent) |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Phedre
ISBN: 9782070414031
Racine, J., Editions Larousse
Text refers to:
Truismes
ISBN: 9782070403073
Darrieussecq, M., Gallimard Folio 2nd ed. 1998
Text refers to:
The Book of the City of Ladies
ISBN: 9780140446890
de Pizan, C., and Brown-Grant, R., Penguin 2000
Text refers to:
Note: Recommended material may be held in the University Library — purchase is optional.
French Literature: A Very Short Introduction
ISBN: 9780199568727
Lyons, J.D., Oxford University Press 2010
Text refers to:
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