OVERVIEW

Histoire du théâtre français du XVIIe au XXe siècle. The theatrical genre constitutes a textual typology with specific rules and structures that have varied over the centuries. By studying the history of French theater in diachrony one follows its developments and transformations, that are closely connected with the cultural history of France.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

To provide knowledge on the outline of the history of French theater and playwriting. At the end of the course the student is able to read and understand texts in language and is initiated using the methods and basic analytical tools to interpret the works of the main authors, contextualizing them in culture and historical period .

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

 Attendance and active participation in the proposed training activities (lectures and online activities) and individual study will enable the student to:

- know the general outlines of the development of French culture in the 17th-20th centuries;

- know the general outline of the history of French theater;

- be able to identify and analyze theatrical text;

- be able to read and understand texts in the French language;

- use basic analytical methods and tools to interpret texts;

- use basic analytical methods and tools to read translations in diachronic perspective;

- contextualize literary productions in the relevant culture and historical period; and

- develop strategies for group work

PREREQUISITES

Knowledge of the French language at the B1 level of the QRCE and basic knowledge of the history of French literature.

TEACHING METHODS

Teaching will take place in presence and with the delivery of content and materials on the Aulaweb platform. Group activities are planned for students who attend assiduously.

Students who attend classes, whose attendance will be monitored, and who do all online activities and group work will be eligible for a bonus of up to two points on their final exam grade.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The course will focus on the development of playwriting in the French context with precise reference to the literary schools and movements that have followed from 1600 to the present day. Constant reference will be made to the reading of theoretical and dramaturgical texts. Through the in-depth reading of four pièces, one will enter the mechanisms of playwriting, analyze the specifics of the texts and the reception of the works.

INTEGRAL READINGS:

Molière, L'Ecole des femmes (1662)

Marivaux, La Double inconstance (1723)

Georges Feydeau, Le Dindon (1894)

Yasmina Reza, Art (1994)

The syllabus is unique for attending and non-attending students.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

All materials used during lectures and other lecture materials will be available on Aulaweb. In general, notes taken during lectures and materials on Aulaweb are sufficient for exam preparation.

The books below are suggested as supporting texts.

MANUAL

X. Darcos, Histoire de la littérature française, Hachette, 2019.

Critical reference bibliography, used for lectures

Evrard F., Le théâtre français du XXe siècle, Paris, Ellipses, 1998.

Prunier M., L'analyse du texte de théâtre, Paris, Nathan, 128, 2010.

Ubersfeld A., Lire le théâtre, Paris, Éditions Sociales, 1978.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

MARIE GABORIAUD (President)

LESSONS

Class schedule

FRENCH LITERATURE AND CULTURE II

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Oral examination.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The examination will consist of an interview during which the knowledge learned regarding the history of French theater and the specifics of the theatrical text will be assessed. The ability to analyze short passages (with a preparation time of one hour), for which the methodology developed during the course will be asked to be applied, will also be assessed.

In the evaluation of the exam, not only knowledge of the program to be carried out will be taken into account, but also expository ability and accuracy in the use of language specific to the discipline.

Calendar of appeals

FURTHER INFORMATION

Students who have valid certification of physical or learning disabilities on file with the University and who wish to discuss possible accommodations or other circumstances regarding lectures, coursework and exams, should speak both with the instructor and with Prof. Sara Dickinson (sara.dickinson@unige.it), the Department’s disability liaison.