2025/26 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

FREN1019 Writing the self in French

20 Credits Class Size: 40

Module manager: Nathalie Lawson
Email: N.G.Lawson@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2025/26

Pre-requisite qualifications

A level French or equivalent at the discretion of the Module Convenor

Module replaces

FREN 1042 FREN 1062

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

In this module you will examine short written and audio narratives (songs, podcasts) of the self in French, analysing a range of source types and themes (feminism, queer writing, narratives of race and migration) from across the Francophone world. Through a series of workshops you will learn to write your own life narratives inspired by these source texts. Please note this is an optional module and runs subject to enrolments. If a low number of students choose this module, then the module may not run and you may be asked to choose another module.

Objectives

This module aims to: 

1. introduce students to a range of written and audio texts about the self in French in lectures.
2. provide students with the tools to write their own life narratives in French in the workshops.
3. support students in analysing how authors have negotiated their own sense of self in relation to their particular (time, location) context in lectures and workshops.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:

LO1. Will demonstrate an understanding of key approaches, concepts and themes in French language life writing. 
LO2. Will have learnt to express their own reflections and life experiences in written French.
LO3. While be able to identify and critique the main arguments of a range of scholarly publications drawn from the discipline of French and Francophone Studies.

On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:

SO1. locate primary and secondary materials in libraries and online.  
SO2. present complex ideas and rigorous research in formal genres of academic writing in English, specifically a commentary.
SO3. reflect on their own personal identity and develop their French language skills through a written life narrative.
SO4. analyse a range of primary materials, from across the Francophone world. .

Syllabus

Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module

Teaching Methods

Delivery type Number Length hours Student hours
Lecture 11 1 11
Practical 10 2 20
Private study hours 169
Total Contact hours 31
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) 200

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Progress is monitored by
a) participation in seminars and workshops;
b) 1 practice commentary;
c) regular formative pieces of creative writing in French.

Methods of Assessment

Coursework
Assessment type Notes % of formal assessment
Coursework Commentary: Close analysis of a primary source 50
Portfolio Creative writing in French with rationale 50
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) 100

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading List

Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list

Last updated: 08/05/2025

Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team