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851-0892-00L 3 Credits DS , DR D-GESS

Literature and Society in France (20th-21st Century)

Littérature et société en France (XXe-XXIe siècle)

VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:07:38

Abstract

The course will examine the relationship between literature and society from two angles: how literature reflects the social world, and how literature fits into the social world. On the one hand, literature conveys representations of the social world and, in doing so, can contribute to reproducing “symbolic violence” (in Bourdieu's sense) or breaking with it.

Objective

In particular, we will examine the representation of women in works of literature. On the other hand, literature is a social phenomenon, whose value is constructed by a set of specific institutions—publishing, awards, literary festivals—whose functioning we will analyze.

Content

The course will examine the relationship between literature and society from two angles: how literature reflects the social world, and how literature fits into the social world. On the one hand, literature conveys representations of the social world and, in doing so, can contribute to reproducing “symbolic violence” (in Bourdieu's sense) or breaking with it. In particular, we will examine the representation of women in works of literature. On the other hand, literature is a social phenomenon, whose value is constructed by a set of specific institutions—publishing, awards, literary festivals—whose functioning we will analyze. With writer Gwenaëlle Aubry, we will discuss how literature captures reality, in this case the experience of the pandemic. With writer Makenzy Orcel, we will address the place of so-called Francophone literature in France.

General Information

Language
French
Levels
DS , DR

Examination

Type
graded semester performance

Registration & Places

Max Places
60

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture Littérature et société en France (XXe-XXIe siècle)
Block course dates: Monday 5 October 14-18 Tuesday 6 October 8-12 Monday 12 October 14-18 Tuesday 13 October 8-12 Monday 26 October 14-18 Tuesday 27 October 8-12
No time listed 28 h semesterly

Offered In