Course content

What does the world look like in French? This course takes a thematic approach to French-language literature and French as a global language. Through the study of selected literary texts, we examine different issues related to representations of the French-speaking world and to the world in French.

Examples of topics that may be covered include cultural and linguistic identity, multilingualism and cultural hybridity, cultural encounters and conflicts, gender and class, colonization and decolonization, literature, language, and power. Relevant secondary literature will be discussed in connection with the primary texts. Students will learn to write text comments in French.

Learning outcome

Knowledge

Candidates who have passed this course

• have insight into how literature represents political and cultural issues
• have insight into the spread and diversity of French as a global literary language
• have insight into how the French language is embedded in global and local power relations

Skills

Candidates who have passed this course

• are able to read and understand short French-language texts from different genres
• are able to use analytical terms in comments and interpretations of literary texts
• are able to write short academic texts in French
• can write text commentaries
• can discuss literary texts in spoken French

General competence

Candidates who have passed this course

• possess basic analytical skills
• have basic competence in constructing and structuring texts

Learning methods and activities

Lectures and group sessions with discussion. Practical assignments. The course is taught in French.

75% mandatory attendance (in lectures and seminars)

The absence limit is intended to cover normal sick leave and similar situations. Therefore, you will not be granted valid absence from teaching based on a medical certificate, even if the absence is due to circumstances beyond your control.

In special cases, agreements for exemption can be made with the course coordinator, preferably at the start of the semester.

Obligatory assignments:

1 written and 1 oral assignment in French.

For students following the programme in Language Studies with Teacher Education, at least one of the assignments must have a didactic focus.

Approved obligatory assignments are valid for two semesters (the semester in which the approval is given, plus the following semester). All obligatory assignments must be completed in the same semester.

Compulsory assignments

• 2 written works in French (autumn 2026)
• 75% attendance in all teaching activities (autumn 2026)
• 1 written and 1 oral assignment in French
• 75% mandatory attendance (in lectures and seminars)

Recommended previous knowledge

Completed basis courses in French from autumn semester.

Course materials

The reading list will be available at the beginning of the semester.

Syllabus

Link to reading list in Leganto