The main literary currents of the French literature are discussed, with an emphasis on the 19th and 20th centuries (classicism, romanticism, Parnassism, symbolism, Dadaism). Students have the opportunity to immerse themselves into the writing of emblematic figures of the French literature, such as Victor Hugo, Charles Baudelaire, Honoré de Balzac, Alexandre Dumas, Émile Zola, Simone de Beauvoir, Albert Camus, Marguerite Duras, etc. Moreover, it is analysed the socio-political context in which leading masterpieces of the French literature were created.

The aim is for students to immerse themselves into the French culture and literature. In addition, they are encouraged to develop their language skills, particularly their understanding of oral speech, as the lectures are delivered mainly in French.

Week 1: Basic concepts- The main literary currents

Week 2: George Sand – Her Life and Work, Her Cultural Legacy

Week 3: Victor Hugo    - His life and work, his cultural legacy

Week 4: Charles Baudelaire- His life and work, his cultural legacy

Week 5: Honoré de Balzac - His life and work, his cultural legacy

Week 6: Alexandre Dumas- His life and work, his cultural legacy

Week 7: Émile Zola- His life and work, his cultural legacy

Week 8: Marcel Proust- His life and work, his cultural legacy

Week 9: Marguerite Duras - Her life and work, her cultural legacy

Week 10: Simone de Beauvoir - Her life and work, her cultural legacy

Week 11: Albert Camus - His life and work, his cultural legacy

Week 12: Student presentations

Week 13: Student presentations

Brunel, Pierre [et al.] (1986). Histoire de la littérature française. Paris: Edition Bordas.

Chassang, Arsene & Senninger, Charles (1973). Les grandes dates de la litterature francaise. Paris: PUF. 

In-person delivery. Use of French and Greek.

Use of supervisory means. Use of Powerpoint. The open courses platform is used to post material.

Written exam and optional assignment that covers 30% of the grade.