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THE ART OF STORYTELLING: FAIRIES, PHILOSOPHES AND THE SOCIO-POLITICAL SPACES OF HUMOUR

Module code: FR235
Credits: 5
Semester: 2
Quota: 20
Department: FRENCH
International:
Coordinator: Prof. Ruth Whelan (FRENCH)

	Overview
	Humour, laughter and satire have always been powerful socio-political tools in human societies. In this course we study two seminal texts that have shaped the consciousness not only of the French but also of other European peoples: Charles Perrault�s Histoires ou Contes du temps pass� (1697) and Voltaire�s Candide (1759), the one a collection of fairytales, the other a philosophical tale. Our purpose is to understand the art of story-telling developed in these texts and understand how stories that may appear trivial or merely funny are actually critical of the ideologies, and socio-political structures of their day. In and through these texts, alternative socio-political spaces are adumbrated; in and through them, human imagination re-shapes realities that are oppressive or simply outdated. Their authors tell or re-tell stories to make people laugh, in the knowledge, or perhaps just the hope, that laughter has the power to set people free.

Overview

Humour, laughter and satire have always been powerful socio-political tools in human societies. In this course we study two seminal texts that have shaped the consciousness not only of the French but also of other European peoples: Charles Perrault�s Histoires ou Contes du temps pass� (1697) and Voltaire�s Candide (1759), the one a collection of fairytales, the other a philosophical tale. Our purpose is to understand the art of story-telling developed in these texts and understand how stories that may appear trivial or merely funny are actually critical of the ideologies, and socio-political structures of their day. In and through these texts, alternative socio-political spaces are adumbrated; in and through them, human imagination re-shapes realities that are oppressive or simply outdated. Their authors tell or re-tell stories to make people laugh, in the knowledge, or perhaps just the hope, that laughter has the power to set people free.

	Learning Outcomes
	On successful completion of the module, students should be able to: Understand the socio-political contexts in which these stories were written and discuss the interaction between context and story, making detailed reference to the texts. Identify and discuss the most salient formal features of the texts under consideration. Understand and analyse the techniques and targets of humour and the complex interaction between the art of storytelling and socio-political commentary, making reference to the primary texts and to the recommended secondary sources.

Learning Outcomes

Teaching & Learning methods

Assessment

Module Graded (numeric value) or Ungraded (Pass/Not Passed): Graded
Continuous Assessment detail(s): 40% of the module grade is from continuous assessment carried out during the semester.

Assessment type	Weighting	Duration
Continuous Assessment	40%
University scheduled written examination	60%	120 minutes
Other	0%
Total	100%	120 minutes

Pass standard: 40%
Could the result of this module be capped? No
Attendance for this module is monitored regularly. If attendance falls below 70% of session hours, the mark will be capped at 35% for this module. This module condition will not be applied to repeat examinations. Absence owing to medical or other compelling reasons is not penalised. The reason must be established in writing prior to, or immediately (i.e. not more than two working days) after the missed class and evidence provided (normally such evidence would be a medical certificate).
Penalties: Penalties: Late submission of assessed coursework or examination materials will result in a reduction of the original grade by 5% (5 marks) per day. Assessed coursework or examination materials will normally also have to be submitted electronically through Turnitin. Late submission of work owing to medical or compelling reasons will not be penalised. The reason must be established in writing prior to, or immediately (i.e. not more than two working days) after the deadline and evidence provided (normally such evidence would be a medical certificate).

	Autumn Supplementals/Resits
	Are supplemental/resit registrations permitted? Yes Repeat options are the same as in May: 40% continuous assessment and 60% examination. The continuous assessment is carried forward from Semester 1 to August. University scheduled written examination (Autumn): 120 minutes Is Supplemental Continuous Assessment registration permitted? No Is Supplemental Continuous Assessment capped? No

Autumn Supplementals/Resits

	Pre-Requisites
	FR114 & FR124

	Timetable
	This timetable is not currently available, please contact the French Department.

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THE ART OF STORYTELLING: FAIRIES, PHILOSOPHES AND THE SOCIO-POLITICAL SPACES OF HUMOUR