Languages
French 5: littérature française contemporaine
An advanced French literature course examining contemporary French and Francophone writing through close reading, discussion and literary analysis.
Choose a date before booking
Upcoming classes
2 classes
| Starts | Schedule | Length | Teacher | Venue | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
23 Sept 2026 Wednesdays | 10:00 - 12:00 | Short course11 weeks | AnaisPerdaems | Keeley StreetWC2B 4BA | £279.00 | Book now |
20 Jan 2027 Wednesdays | 10:00 - 12:00 | Short course10 weeks | AnaisPerdaems | Keeley StreetWC2B 4BA | £269.00 |
Wed 20 Jan, 10:00 - 12:00
10 weeks10 weeksWed 10:00£269AnaisPerdaemsKeeley Street
What Advanced (C1+) French means
At C1+ French, learners can express complex ideas precisely, understand nuance and adapt their language to different contexts.
Qualify an argument
Bien que l’argument soit globalement convaincant, il néglige plusieurs conséquences imprévues.
While the argument is broadly convincing, it overlooks several unintended consequences.
Convey nuance
Ce n’est pas la proposition elle-même que je conteste, mais la précipitation avec laquelle elle est mise en œuvre.
I do not oppose the proposal itself; what I question is the rushed way it is being implemented.
Adapt your register
Je vous saurais gré de bien vouloir reconsidérer cette décision au vu des informations complémentaires ci-jointes.
I would be grateful if you would reconsider the decision in light of the additional information attached.
These are general examples of language use at this level, not a description of any individual course syllabus.
About this course
The course examines major literary and aesthetic developments from the late twentieth century to the present, considering how historical and cultural contexts have influenced changing forms and genres. Study covers poetry, drama, fiction and essays, alongside political, philosophical, religious and social themes. Participants analyse representative works, including two texts studied in depth, and discuss the place of Francophone literature in the wider development of the French language. Teaching uses spoken interaction, pair and group work, presentations, hand-outs and audio-visual resources, with homework recommended to consolidate classroom learning.
What you'll learn
- Analyse representative works of contemporary French and Francophone literature
- Explain key issues and debates associated with contemporary literature
- Apply core concepts of literary analysis to set texts
- Develop structured, critical interpretations supported by clear arguments
- Compare literary forms, genres and writing techniques from the period
Is this course right for you?
The course is intended for advanced French learners, broadly corresponding to C1/C2, who can read literary works in French and communicate fluently and spontaneously. Participants should be able to lead and contribute to discussions in French, express ideas with a wide vocabulary and produce clear, well-structured discourse. An interest in literature, history, culture and society is supported by the course content.
- Requires a very good level of French
- Involves sustained discussion and spoken interaction in French
- Includes reading and analysing literary works in French
Before you go
- Students are required to buy Hélène Dorion's Mes Forêts (2021), Didier Daeninckx's Meurtres pour mémoire (1984) and Pascal Quignard's Tous les Matins du monde (1991).
- The books do not need to be read before the course starts.
- Teaching and learning resources are provided through Google Classroom.