B.A. (French Studies) French Literature of the XVIIth Century Syllabus - Mumbai University

Description of the course

This course explores key aspects of 17th- century French literature, with emphasis on the works of Jean Racine. Including but not limited to themes of tragedy, classical form, and historical context, the course encourages critical engagement with literary texts and movements of the period.

Course objectives

• 1. To study key features of 17th-century French Classicism through the works of Jean Racine.
• 2. To analyze Racine’s tragedies using critical and literary frameworks.
• 3. To explore themes, structure, and language in Racine’s major plays.
• 4. To understand the historical and cultural context of Racine’s era.

Course outcomes

• CO 1 To develop critical and analytical understanding of language and literature through study of various literary genres.
• CO 2 To obtain skills of literary criticism in a specific literary genre
• CO 3 To introduce ancient and contemporary literary works.
• CO 4 To study and understand the literary movement of Classicisme.

Module 1: Overall study of the XVIIth century lit.

Module 2: Sociocultural context

Module 3: The author and their literary works

Module 4: Study of the writing style, themes and characters

Text Books

• Racine - Andromaque/Phèdre

Reference Books

• Lagarde, A. & Micharde, L. (1962). XIX e siècle. Bordas