Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Unit Convenor
Alex Kurmann
W6B 218
Monday 4-6pm
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Credit points |
Credit points
3
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Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
FRN226
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Corequisites |
Corequisites
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Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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Unit description |
Unit description
In this reading unit a number of short twentieth and twenty-first century texts belonging to a variety of genres (press articles, stories, poems, sketches, etc) will be studied, taking into account their historical and cultural contexts. The unit is strongly recommended for students who are working towards a major in French Studies, as it will help them develop their reading skills while, at the same time, building up their vocabulary and introducing them to important aspects of French culture and society. Assessment will be by coursework.
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Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
Name | Weighting | Due |
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Written discussion forum | 15% | Ongoing |
Textual analysis | 20% | Week 8 |
Plan of literary essay | 15% | Beginning of week 10 |
Comparative literature essay | 50% | End of week 13 |
Due: Ongoing
Weighting: 15%
The best 3 of 6 entries on the discussion forums dedicated bi-weekly to one genre of literary text.
This applies to both internal and external students.
Due: Week 8
Weighting: 20%
To use language, skills and methods taught in the course to write a literary analysis in French of one short text that has already been discussed in class. The textual analysis must take account of social, political and historical discourses affecting the text as well as genre, style, figures of speech and applicable literary theories.
Both internal and external students will submit their textual analysis via Turnitin.
Due: Beginning of week 10
Weighting: 15%
Students must submit a detailed plan of the comparative essay due in week 13 - see essay requirements for specific details.
They must use essay structures provided by the lecturer in class to plan out a convincing, structured argument that reveals some original insight.
The marked essay plans will be returned to students by week 11 to enable students to write their essays.
Internal and external students will submit their plan via Turnitin by the due date.
Due: End of week 13
Weighting: 50%
The essay will write a comparative literature essay that compares two short texts in one genre studied throughout the course: one text will be written by a writer of French origin and the other by a "Francophone" writer.
Students will choose one essay topic from three provided for each genre. They will work off the plan submitted earlier for appraisal, showing greater understanding of the topic by clearly responding to feedback on their essay plan.
The essay must take account of social, political and historical discourses affecting the text as well as genre, style, figures of speech and applicable literary theories.
Students will aim to bring some personal, original insight to their work: as well as including material provided in the course, they will strive to go beyond subject matter discussed in class by submitting a bibliography of secondary sources that are additional to the course readings provided on ilearn.
Both internal and external students will submit their essays via Turnitin.
PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING DEPARTMENT POLICY ON LATE WORK
All assignments and assessments are compulsory and must be handed in or sat on time. Students unable to meet due dates may apply for an extension in writing to the unit convenor, who will approve the extension in writing, if appropriate. As a general rule, extensions will not be granted without a valid and documented reason (e.g. medical certificate). Late submissions will be penalised by 5% for each day (including weekends) the task is late. Students who have an extension approved will not receive any penalties. No late work will be accepted after assignments and assessments have been corrected and feedback has been provided. Tasks handed in early will be marked and returned with those submitted on the due date.
To achieve the learning outcomes associated with this unit, students will be required to engage with a wide range of 20th and 21st century French texts including short stories, poetry, drama, essays, novel extracts and political speeches. Each genre will be represented by two texts, one written by an author of French origin and the other by a Francophone writer. Students will be expected to familiarise themselves with the week's readings prior to each class. There will be scope for teamwork in class discussion. Assessment will be based on participation in bi-weekly discussion forums, a textual analysis, an essay plan and a comparative essay in French.
Each weekly class consists of one block of 2 hours. For more information and for the latest updates on times and the venue, see the official University timetable on https://timetables.mq.edu.au. Classes start at five minutes past the hour and students are encouraged to maximise their learning by coming to as many classes as possible.
External students will be expected to listen to the lecture recordings available after each class and will be able to interact with each other through online discussion forums, which make up the participation component of assessment.
There is no one set text. The unit materials consist of a series of primary literary texts made available online; these will be the subject of discussion for each week of the course. Related secondary texts, as well as other resources will also be available via iLearn. These will remain accessible at all times, for the entire duration of the session.
You will need to have regular computer and internet access to gain access to the teaching materials on iLearn.
IT and iLearn assistance is available via the iLearn login page or by clicking on the words "Help me" under the iLearn logo at the top right hand side of every iLearn window.
Please note that replies to e-mails will be automatically directed to the account they were sent from. All new threads will be sent to your University account. You are encouraged to use the University account and are advised to check it regularly for announcements from the course convenor.
Please refer to the iLearn materials, which closely reflect the unit schedule.
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html
Assessment Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy.html
Grading Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html
Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html
Grievance Management Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grievance_management/policy.html
Disruption to Studies Policy http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html The Disruption to Studies Policy is effective from March 3 2014 and replaces the Special Consideration Policy.
In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/
Please note that HD (High Distinction) or D (Distinction) are by no means standard marks but are given for outstanding work only. Students who fulfil the unit in a satisfactory but expected manner will usually get a high Pass or a Credit.
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://informatics.mq.edu.au/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
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Date | Description |
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31/07/2014 | Updated contact details. |