Zola and the Paris of the Second Empire
Based on two novels by Émile Zola - Nana (1880) and The Ladies’ Paradise (1883) - this paper explores the transformation of Paris during the Second Empire (1852-1870). Topics covered include the political landscape, the changing urban landscape (Hausmannisation) of Paris, the role of women, the rise of the department store, musical theatre, fashion and interiors.
About this paper
| Paper title | Advanced Topics in French |
|---|---|
| Subject | French |
| EFTS | 0.1667 |
| Points | 20 points |
| Teaching period | Not offered in 2026 (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) | $1,393.95 |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- 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
The texts will be studied in translation and the lectures on the novels and the secondary material will be in English. English summaries will be provided of the context lectures delivered in French. The weekly tutorial on Nana will be in two groups, one conducted in French and the other in English.
- Teaching staff
- Teaching Arrangements
Three lectures per week plus one Nana tutorial (possibly via Zoom) at a time to be arranged.
- Textbooks
Nana translated by Helen Constantine (Oxford World’s Classics)
The Ladies’ Paradise translated by Brian Nelson (Oxford World’s Classics)
NOTE: FREN students will also require any edition in French of Nana – ideally the one edited by Henri Mitterand (Gallimard, Folio Classique)
The texts are readily available for purchase online as either paper copies or e-books. Copies will be placed on Reserve in the Central Library.
- 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:
- have become familiar with two of Émile Zola’s masterpieces.
- have discovered Émile Zola’s contribution to French literary and cultural history.
- have explored the transformation of Paris during the Second Empire.
- have developed close-reading skills and techniques for literary analysis.
- have engaged with secondary critical material.
Zola and the Paris of the Second Empire
Based on two novels by Émile Zola - Nana (1880) and The Ladies' Paradise (1883) - this paper explores the transformation of Paris during the Second Empire (1852-1870). Topics covered include the political landscape, the changing urban landscape (Hausmannisation) of Paris, the role of women, the rise of the department store, musical theatre, fashion and interiors.
About this paper
| Paper title | Advanced Topics in French |
|---|---|
| Subject | French |
| EFTS | 0.1667 |
| Points | 20 points |
| Teaching period | Not offered in 2027 (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for 2027 have not yet been set |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- 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
The texts will be studied in translation, and the lectures on the novels and the secondary material will be in English. English summaries will be provided of the context lectures delivered in French. The weekly tutorial on Nana will be in two groups, one conducted in French and the other in English.
- Teaching staff
- Teaching Arrangements
Three lectures per week plus one Nana tutorial (possibly via Zoom) at a time to be arranged.
- Textbooks
- Nana translated by Helen Constantine (Oxford World’s Classics).
- The Ladies' Paradise translated by Brian Nelson (Oxford World's Classics).
NOTE: FREN students will also require any edition in French of Nana – ideally the one edited by Henri Mitterand (Gallimard, Folio Classique)
The texts are readily available for purchase online as either paper copies or eBooks. Copies will be placed on Reserve in the Central Library.
- 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:
- have become familiar with two of Émile Zola’s masterpieces.
- have discovered Émile Zola’s contribution to French literary and cultural history.
- have explored the transformation of Paris during the Second Empire.
- have developed close-reading skills and techniques for literary analysis.
- have engaged with secondary critical material.