Course Catalogue

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The course will examine the changing role and meaning of vocal music within society in France, looking at a variety of texts from the Middle Ages to modern-day Rap.

One hour weekly across both semesters.

Mandatory Entry Requirements

Confirmed acceptance on to one of the SMLC Honours programmes.

Recommended Entry Requirements

None

None

None

Assessment

Class exam (1.5 hours) in the examining period of semester 1 (50%); class essay (c. 2000 words) to be submitted by the end of semester 2 (50%).

Reassessment

In accordance with the University's Code of Assessment reassessments are normally set for all courses which do not contribute to the honours classifications. For non honours courses, students are offered reassessment in all or any of the components of assessment if the satisfactory (threshold) grade for the overall course is not achieved at the first attempt. This is normally grade D3 for undergraduate students, and grade C3 for postgraduate students. Exceptionally it may not be possible to offer reassessment of some coursework items, in which case the mark achieved at the first attempt will be counted towards the final course grade. Any such exceptions are listed below in this box.

Reassessments are normally available for all courses, except those which contribute to the Honours classification. For non Honours courses, students are offered reassessment in all or any of the components of assessment if the satisfactory (threshold) grade for the overall course is not achieved at the first attempt. This is normally grade D3 for undergraduate students and grade C3 for postgraduate students. Exceptionally it may not be possible to offer reassessment of some coursework items, in which case the mark achieved at the first attempt will be counted towards the final course grade. Any such exceptions for this course are described below. 

■ to introduce students to selected key topics and periods in relation to the history and cultural identity of France

■ to introduce students to a range of textual and cultural materials across a number of periods and genres, allowing students to build up specialist knowledge

■ to encourage students to reflect upon and analyse the texts in terms of their ideas, formal features and broader significance within French culture and national identity

■ to ensure that students are equipped with the skills of independent research

By the end of this course students will be able to demonstrate:

■ detailed knowledge and understanding of the texts and topics studied

■ an appreciation of the texts' historical, cultural and literary contexts and their broader significance within French culture

■ critical skills in analysing the primary texts, and intelligent use of secondary critical literature

■ the ability to present complex arguments on the texts and topics that are concise, relevant and cogent

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.