Gender and Language in French
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| MLAC2206 | Modern Languages and Cultures | 2 | 10 | Spring UK |
- Code
- MLAC2206
- School
- Modern Languages and Cultures
- Level
- 2
- Credits
- 10
- Semesters
- Spring UK
Summary
This module encourages students to question French language structures (grammar) and uses (mainly in literature) through the lens of gender.
It focuses on grammatical structures of French language when gender is implied (such as pronouns and agreements), and consider how users of the French language have critiqued, adapted, reformed the French language in order to better represent women, non-binary and LGBTQ+ perspectives.
The module first introduces the students to the establishment of prescriptive grammar in the 18th century, its rationale, application and control by institutions such as the Académie française. Then, it focuses on current debates (from the second half of the 20th century until today) amongst linguists and authors who denounce gender inequalities through the use of language.
Primary sources examined include texts/extracts from the press, journals, magazines and literature, in which the authors use of language exhibits and discusses the gendered power relationships imposed by a binary, hetero-patriarchal model. These texts are examined using methods including literary and discourse analysis, Gender and Queer theories.
In addition, students are encouraged to question the use and structures of another language based on the themes and aspects addressed in the module, adopting a comparative and translanguaging approach.
Target Students
Year 2 students studying French as an integral part of their degree programme. Erasmus and other Exchange Students with appropriate level in French language (minimum level in French at B2 CEFR or equivalent).
Co-requisites
Modules you must take in the same academic year, or have taken in a previous year, to enrol in this module:
Assessment
- 20% Coursework 1: Oral presentation/narrated PowerPoint.
- 80% Coursework 2: Essay 2,000 words.
Assessed by end of spring semester
Educational Aims
The module aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the intricate relationship between gender and language in the context of the French language. It encourages them to think about how gender is embedded within grammatical structures and linguistic expressions, such as the use of the generic masculine and the masculine/feminine binary. The analysis of texts from the press or literature aims to see how authors use the language to denounce gender inequalities and display linguistic reappropriation from a feminist, LGBTQ+ and/or queer perspective. The comparative and translanguaging approach in the assessment aims to foster a deeper understanding of the subject matter and encourage cross-linguistic analysis.Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of how gender is embedded within the grammatical structures and linguistic expressions of the French language.
- A deeper understanding of grammatical structures in French.
- Recognize and analyse the key debates surrounding gender inequalities in the French language, with a focus on contemporary discussions from the second half of the 20th century to the present.
- Acquire a deep understanding of the gendered power dynamics reflected in literature and language usage, as evidenced by the analysis of texts authored by influential figures.
- An understanding of the methods used to analyse literary works from a gendered perspective and the ability to employ some of these methods.
- Enhance critical thinking abilities to question and challenge linguistic norms.
- Synthesize and integrate complex information from various sources to form well-reasoned arguments in written and oral communication.
- Use comparative and translanguaging approaches to analyse language structures and gender-related issues in French and other languages.
- The ability to navigate and contribute to discussions on gender and language within professional and academic settings.
- The ability to articulate and apply principles of discourse and literary analysis.
- The ability to present linguistic findings in line with academic conventions in both written and oral format.
- The ability to clearly communicate information and ideas in appropriate registers of both oral and written English.
- The ability to gather, process and critically evaluate material from a variety of sources .
- The ability to apply theories and concepts to different materials.
- Reflecting on feedback received on marked work and feeding this in to further assessed work.