The Magic Beauty of the French Poetry: A Voyage Through the Centuries
Open to both students of French and interested students from other programmes/departments with a basic French linguistic background, this paper explores the beauty of poetry through a selection of French lyrical texts. We will start with the Middle Ages, and travel through the modern era, exploring some of the most influential poets of the French Symbolism. We end our voyage with some representative authors of the 20th Century and the Postmodernity. Understandably, we will aim to analyse the original French versions of the proposed texts. However, out-of-programme students may also consider English translations for reading/analysis.
While students will have to read, discover and analyse the metaphorical complexity of these wonderful poems, together, we will also discuss particular links to love, freedom, solitude, hope, suffering and healing, looking at cultural bridges between the literary text and music or visual arts.
About this paper
| Paper title | Topics in French |
|---|---|
| Subject | French |
| EFTS | 0.15 |
| Points | 18 points |
| Teaching period | Semester 2 (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) | $981.75 |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Prerequisite
- FREN 211 or 232
- Schedule C
- Arts and Music
- Eligibility
Although aimed at students with an intermediate level of French this paper is also open to those who do not speak French at all.
- Contact
- More information link
- Teaching staff
- Teaching Arrangements
Three lectures per week plus one tutorial at a time to be arranged.
- Textbooks
Compulsory: A selection of electronic texts (poems) and web links will be provided on Blackboard.
Supplementary: According to the subject chosen for research, critical bibliography may be provided to students upon request.
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Global perspective, Interdisciplinary perspective, Lifelong learning, Communication, Critical thinking, Cultural understanding, Information literacy, Research, Self-motivation.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete the paper will:
- Express an understanding of the relevance of the critical Humanities in approaching the modern/contemporary French/Francophone cultural space.
- Understand and engage with poetry and modern criticism.
- Understand culturally and historically diverse approaches within literature and other forms of art.
- Recognise and discuss critically themes, motifs and symbols in poetry.
- Critically engage with both theory and method in the development of an advanced reflective analysis.
Timetable
The Magic Beauty of the French Poetry: A Voyage Through the Centuries
Open to both students of French and interested students from other programmes/departments with a basic French linguistic background, this paper explores the beauty of poetry through a selection of French lyrical texts. We will start with the Middle Ages, and travel through the modern era, exploring some of the most influential poets of the French Symbolism. We end our voyage with some representative authors of the 20th Century and the Postmodernity. Understandably, we will aim to analyse the original French versions of the proposed texts. However, out-of-programme students may also consider English translations for reading/analysis.
While students will have to read, discover and analyse the metaphorical complexity of these wonderful poems, together, we will also discuss particular links to love, freedom, solitude, hope, suffering and healing, looking at cultural bridges between the literary text and music or visual arts.
About this paper
| Paper title | Topics in French |
|---|---|
| Subject | French |
| EFTS | 0.15 |
| Points | 18 points |
| Teaching period | Not offered in 2025 (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for 2025 have not yet been set |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Prerequisite
- FREN 211 or 232
- Schedule C
- Arts and Music
- Eligibility
Although aimed at students with an intermediate level of French this paper is also open to those who do not speak French at all.
- Contact
- More information link
- Teaching staff
To be confirmed.
- Teaching Arrangements
Three lectures per week plus one tutorial at a time to be arranged.
- Textbooks
Compulsory: A selection of electronic texts (poems) and web links will be provided on Blackboard.
Supplementary: According to the subject chosen for research, critical bibliography may be provided to students upon request.
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Global perspective, Interdisciplinary perspective, Lifelong learning, Communication, Critical thinking, Cultural understanding, Information literacy, Research, Self-motivation.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete the paper will:
- Express an understanding of the relevance of the critical Humanities in approaching the modern/contemporary French/Francophone cultural space.
- Understand and engage with poetry and modern criticism.
- Understand culturally and historically diverse approaches within literature and other forms of art.
- Recognise and discuss critically themes, motifs and symbols in poetry.
- Critically engage with both theory and method in the development of an advanced reflective analysis.