Paris, City of Modernity

Overview

As the effects of political and industrial revolution in the nineteenth century transformed Paris into one of the great metropolises of the modern world, it became identified as a place of contrasts and contradictions which challenged, fascinated and even appalled observers. This module explores representations of modern life following Haussmann’s controversial redesign of Paris in the 1850s and l860s. Focusing on the impact of a changing urban space on gender, class, politics, capitalism and social experience, we examine the multiple and shifting identities of this city of modernity in a variety of texts (both literary and non-literary), as well as the narrative techniques used to represent its material, cultural and emotional effects.

Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion of this module, students will be able to:

a. Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the chosen texts, including reference to their place in the historical / literary / cultural context of their time;

b. Understand better how a variety of writers integrated Paris into their writings, and how they depicted social, cultural and economic transformations;

c. Discuss, in oral and written form, the essential features of urban space and life in Paris as depicted by a number of French writers

Skills

This module will equip students with the capacity to:

a. Analyse selected target language texts, relating them to significant elements in their cultural / historical / generic context. 

b. Deploy close reading skills and make meaningful contrasts and comparisons between the various texts studied.

c. Adopt a critical approach to the selection and organisation of material in order to produce, to a deadline, a written or oral argument.

d. Research, plan and present a cogent and sustained essay, in English or French, on a topic chosen from a range of options provided.

e. Demonstrate general competence in word-processing and in use of the Internet.

f. Manage their time effectively.

Assessment

None