UNOFFICIAL VERSION OF SYLLABUS: OFFICIAL VERSION WILL BE PUBLISHED BY 5 JANUARY 2026
We will study four novels, published in French, considered influential and important in their own ways (from the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries): Madame Bovary, L'Etranger, Bonjour Tristesse, and Chanson Douce. By the end of the course, students will have had ample opportunities to engage in the interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational modes of communication. Successful students will have demonstrated the following skills:
Communicative & Cognitive
Effectively communicate by analysing how authors use language
Develop and articulate critical arguments, using textual evidence to support interpretations
Apply active listening and discussion skills during literary conversations and debates
Social-Emotional & Interpersonal
Identify and explain characters’ perspectives, showing an ability to recognise emotions, motivations, and viewpoints different from their own
Demonstrate empathy and emotional insight when reflecting on relationships, conflicts, and moral choices within texts
Collaborate constructively in group tasks, showing respect for diverse interpretations
Analytical & Problem-Solving
Interpret themes, symbols, and patterns within a text to draw deeper conclusions about meaning
Evaluate credibility, bias, and purpose in both literary and non-literary texts, applying these skills to real-world media
Construct evidence-based analyses, using reasoning to solve interpretive problems
Cultural & Historical Understanding
Explain how literature reflects historical events, cultural contexts, and societal values
Compare perspectives across time periods or cultures, demonstrating an understanding of how context shapes experience
Reflect on personal values, beliefs, and experiences in response to the issues and dilemmas presented in literature
Make connections between texts and real-life situations, showing growth in self-awareness
Engage with literature for enjoyment, selecting genres or authors that match their interests and articulating what they find meaningful or inspiring
Required Texts
FLAUBERT, Gustave. Madame Bovary
CAMUS, Albert. L'Etranger
SAGAN, Françoise. Bonjour Tristesse
SLIMANE, Leïla. Chanson douce
Grade Breakdown (details TBA)
Written exams: 40%
Leading a Class Discussion: 10%
Participation Log of Oral Participation in Class 10%
Final Oral Report: 10%
Written Assignments: 30%
Information re. attendance, late work, etc. [TBA]
Schedule [more details TBA]
6 January: L'Etranger (Première partie)
8 January:: L'Etranger (Première partie)
13 January:: L'Etranger (Deuxième partie)
15 January:: L'Etranger (Deuxième partie)
20 January: Madame Bovary (Première partie)
22 January: Madame Bovary (Première partie)
27 January: Madame Bovary (Deuxième partie)
29 January: Madame Bovary (Deuxième partie)
3 February: Madame Bovary (Troisième partie)
5 February: Madame Bovary (Troisième partie)
10 February: Examen 1
12 February: Bonjour Tristesse
17 February: Bonjour Tristesse
19 February: Bonjour Tristesse
24 February: Bonjour Tristesse
26 February: Chanson douce
3 March: Chanson douce
5 March: Chanson douce
10 March: Chanson douce
12 March: Examen 2
[Updated 17 December 2025, with the help of Chat GPT]