F26 - Representing the Self (FREN*3130) | College of Arts

F26 - Representing the Self (FREN*3130)

Code and section: FREN*3130*01

Term: Fall 2026

Details

FREN*3130: Representing the Self (0.5 credit)
Études françaises & francophones

School of Languages and Literatures

Fall 2026

 

**Please see WebAdvisor for instructor information and classroom location**

 

Please note: This is a preliminary web course description only. The School of Languages and Literatures reserves the right to change without notice any information in this description. The final, binding course outline will be distributed in the first class of the semester.

 

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Course Description

By examining a variety of texts told by a real or fictional “I,” this course will explore such literary concerns as believable and unbelievable narrators, biography and autobiography and the construction of the self. Students will put to use their learning about the construction of the self in creating their own first-person narratives in French.   

 

Prerequisites:   2 of FREN*2020, FREN*2060, FREN*2520

 

Learning Outcomes

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

  • Analyse autobiographical and autofictional texts using appropriate literary terminology and reading techniques.
  • Identify and explain major concepts related to the representation of the self.      
  • Compare different forms of self-writing across historical periods and cultural contexts, with particular attention to questions of gender, truth, embodiment, and media.  
  • Produce and revise original autobiographical writing and reflect critically on their own writing process.

 

Course Format and Teaching Methods

Tuesday classes will take place on Zoom and will primarily follow a lecture format. These meetings will focus on key themes, contextual material, and the more challenging elements of the assigned readings. Thursday classes will take place in person and will emphasize close reading techniques, small-group work, and comprehension and analysis exercises. Students are expected to complete assigned readings and preparatory work prior to both online and in-person classes.

 

Course Communications and Online Platforms

The course hub will be CourseLink. https://www.courselink.uoguelph.ca Course communications may occur via both CourseLink and official University of Guelph email. It is your responsibility to regularly check both for announcements. The best way to reach me is via email. I will do my best to respond to your questions in 24 hours.

 

Required materials

Duras, Marguerite. L’Amant, Paris, Minuit, 1984.

Godin, Louis-Daniel. Cindy_16, Saguenay, La Peuplade, 2025.

 

Articles and excerpts will be available on CourseLink.

 

 

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