Outline

Overview

This unit looks at literary productions in French through a global perspective, exploring key French and Francophone concepts and schools of literary theory and criticism developed from the 20th century onward, such as authorship and readership, intertextuality, inter-arts dialogues, structuralism, poststructuralism, postcolonial thought and feminist theory. Students examine literary and theoretical texts, developing analytical and critical skills. Students deepen their knowledge of modern and contemporary ways of writing and thinking literature in French across the globe, reflecting on their historical background, transnational influences and their (own) lasting impact on the world.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	French and Francophone Studies
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	FRNC1632 or FRNC3002 or FRNC2633 or FRNC3633
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	FRNC2689 or FRNC2010 or FRNC2688 or FRNC3684
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Sonia Wilson, sonia.wilson@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Q&A following presentation, submission or placement	Q & A following presentation In-class Q&A following presentation.	10%	Multiple weeks	equiv 750 words	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Portfolio or journal	Short written pieces n/a	15%	Multiple weeks	3x equiv. 500wd	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Oral presentation Oral presentation in French	10%	Multiple weeks	equiv 750 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-person written or creative task	In-class test n/a	25%	Week 08	equiv 1000 words	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Research analysis	Research Essay Essay	40%	Week 13 Due date: 09 Nov 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 23 Nov 2025	equiv 2000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

Tutorial preparation and participation: students are expected to contribute to online vocabulary lists and respond to questions posted on discussion boards in addition to participating orally in class discussion.
Presentations: topics will be provided at the start of semester. Presentations will take place on a weekly basis, with each student presenting once in the course of semester. Presentations are in French and marking criteria will include assessment of clarity of spoken French.
Short reflective piece: here students are encouraged to write in the first person and reflect briefly on how their own memories of childhood shaped – and have been shaped by – the récit d’enfance on which they have presented.
Plan and bibliography: this is a scaffolding exercise, designed to assist in breaking down the final written piece into steps.
Final written piece: this is an analytical essay. Students will be expected to construct an argument by drawing on close textual analysis and critical reading of at least four secondary sources.

Assessment criteria

Assessment grading

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100
Distinction	75 - 84
Credit	65 - 74
Pass	50 - 64
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

As per standard late policy above

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Introduction au cours : Qu'est-ce que c'est, l'écriture de vie ? Comment définir l'autobiographie ? Pourquoi les textes dans ce cours ?	Block teaching (2 hr)
Week 02	'Persepolis' 1: Se raconter en BD (de l'autobiographie à 'l'auto-graphie')	Block teaching (2 hr)
Week 03	Persepolis 2: Renégocier les frontières : 'là-bas" / "ici" ; privé /public ; moi / autre	Block teaching (2 hr)
Week 04	'Persepolis' 3 : de la page à l'écran	Block teaching (2 hr)
Week 05	Annie Ernaux et le journal 'extime'	Block teaching (2 hr)
Week 06	Regarde les Lumières 1 : la vie quotidienne collective	Block teaching (2 hr)
Week 07	'Regarde les lumières' 2 : la consommation - aliénation et/ou bien-être	Block teaching (2 hr)
Week 08	In-class text + discussion	Block teaching (2 hr)
Week 09	Introduction à Sophie Calle	Block teaching (2 hr)
Week 10	Des Histories vraies 1 : la photographie et les mots	Block teaching (2 hr)
Week 11	Des Histoires vraies 2 : absence/présence. Le deuil ?	Block teaching (2 hr)
Week 12	Clara Beaudoux : 'Madeleine Project' Introduction	Block teaching (2 hr)
Week 13	'Madeleine Project' : Raconter la vie de quelqu'un d'autre par Tweets. Questions éthiques.	Block teaching (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

See Faculty Attendance requirements.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

• Persepolis Livres 1, 2 et 3 Marjane Satrapi

• Regarde les Lumières Mon Amour Annie Ernaux (2014)

• Des Histoires Vraies Sophie Calle (2023)

Students will need to purchase the second and third books (Annie Ernaux Regarde les lumières and Sophie Calle, Des Histoires vraies).

Any edition of Regarde les lumières is fine.

For Des Histoires vraies, please try to purchase the most recent edition (2023) if possible as Calle continually adds stories.

Persepolis is available on internet archive open books https://openlibrary.org

or on https://www.scribd.com/doc/288106932/Persepolis-BD-Francais.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. Demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between theoretical concepts and cultural and literary practices in French in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries
LO2. Engage in critical analysis of literary texts with reference to relevant theoretical frameworks
LO3. Debate different interpretive approaches to literay problems
LO4. Effectively integrate textual analysis and proficient use of appropriate secondary sources.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

This is the first time this unit has been offered.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Assessment grading

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

FRNC3200: French and Francophone Literatures 2

Semester 2, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Assessment grading

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links