116-213 French Travel Writing

116-133 French I: Contemporary French B and 116-134 French I: Language in Context II or equivalent. European studies students wishing to enrol in this subject would normally have completed first year European studies, see Prerequisites.

This subject examines the trends in theory and practice of French travel writing. Focusing mainly on contemporary texts but also referring to classical French travel literature, it introduces students to a wide range of fictional and non-fictional travel narratives in French set in various geographical locations. Students will study theoretical, anthropological, philosophical and literary texts in this field, and consult the lectures and conference papers in French from the audio library of the Centre for Research on Travel Literature's web site, to develop a sound understanding of the intercultural, (post)colonial and geopolitical issues that may be presented through travel writing. The course materials and texts will be organised according to geographical regions. Beginning with French writings on European travel, we will work our way around the five continents, through Africa and the Arab World, Asia, the Americas and the Pacific and Oceanic regions. On completion of this subject, students should be able to perform theoretical and textual analysis of French travel writing drawing upon aspects of utopianism, cosmopolitanism, exoticism, imperialism, postcolonialism, feminism and/or ethnography in literature, to appreciate and demonstrate the complexities of this genre. This subject is taught in French.

• This subject encompasses particular generic skills. Communicating knowledge intelligibly and economically: through essay and assignment writing, tutorial discussion and class presentations; Written communication: through essay and assignment preparation and writing; Public speaking and confidence in self-expression: through tutorial participation and class presentations; Attention to detail: through close reading and textual analysis, essay preparation and writing, and examination revision; Time management and planning: through managing and organizing workloads for required and recommended reading, essay and assignment completion and revision for examinations.

A 1500 word class paper subsequently written up 40% (due during semester), a 2500 word research essay 50% (due at the end of semester) and tutorial participation throughout the semester 10%.

Materials supplied by the department.