Introduction to literature 3304-1DZ1O-WDL-044
This course aims to introduce students to basic elements of the theory of literature and prepare them for independent analysis of literary texts. First few classes will be dedicated to the following matters : various definitions of literature, features of the literary language, means of existence of a literary work, horizon of expectations and intertextuality. Later on the focus will be put on fundamental issues of literary theory concerning poetry, prose and drama (forms of verse, rhyme, stylistic devices, principles of poetry reading, story/discourse, definitions of a short story, narrator, levels of narration, narration/description, focalization, character in a novel, time and space of a story/discourse, inner monologue, reality effect, dramatic text, dramatic situation…) Reading and study of theory will be the starting point for analysis of selected works (Apollinaire, Baudelaire, Verlaine, Flaubert, Maupassant, Queneau, Zola).
Type of course
Mode
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of the course, students should be able to:
1. accurately present a variety of definitions of a literary work, literary genre and type, as well as be ready to discuss the evolution of discussed concepts in the course of history
2. distinguish the forms of poetic works
3. know the principles underlying the reading of a French poem
4. determine the nature, type and pattern of rhyme(s), and be ready to name rhetorical devices used in the poem
5. analyze a prose work, by showing in particular, the ability to assess the level of narration, the status of the narrator, narrative time and space, narrative perspective, the relationship between the narration and the story told as well as the type of discourse in the work discussed.
6. analyze a piece of drama, interpret a dramatic text and know the basic concepts pertaining to theatre.
Bibliography
1. A. Sancier, Introduction à l’analyse stylistique, Bordas 1991.
2. B. Hongre, « Intertextualité » (http://www.webzinemaker.com/admi/m6/page.php3?num_web=8526&rubr=2&id=169447)
3. E. Simonnet, « Narratologie » (http://membres.lycos.fr/simonnet/sitfen/narrat/narr0001.htm)
4. G. Girard, R. Ouellet, C. Rigault, L’univers du théâtre, PUF 1978.
5. C. Den Tandt, Structuralisme, poststructuralisme et théories de la postmodernité
(https://www.academia.edu/34351527/Structuralisme_poststructuralisme_et_th%C3%A9ories_de_la_postmodernit%C3%A9_Notes_de_Cours_Course_Notes_?email_work_card=view-paper)
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: