Fren 4070 : French Culture & Literature Through Film

Sirvent/ FREN 4070 (Film), p. 1/10

FREN 4070 : FRENCH CULTURE & LITERATURE THROUGH FILM UNIVERSITY CORE CURRICULUM: HUMANITIES SPRING 2016

Dr. Michel SIRVENT Email : [email protected]. Send regular e-mails via Blackboard Messages only. Use my unt e-mail address above for urgent matters only. Class time : Wednesday 9:00-11:50 AM - Lang. Bld 109 Office : Lang. Bld 405-J Office hours : Tuesday 4:30-5:00 ; Wednesday 12:00-12:30 and by appointment Phone (department) : 940-565-2404

WELCOME TO FRENCH 4070 The following pages outline the general information and policies for this course. Read them carefully and keep them for your reference throughout the semester. Please note that the instructor reserves the right to modify the course syllabus. You will be notified of any changes made to the course content and policies via Blackboard Learn Announcements.

COURSE MATERIALS • Required Film Subscription Criterion collection. http://www.hulu.com = $7.99/month.

• Blackboard Learn (BL) This course will use BL on a regular basis for supplemental instruction. To sign in go to www.learn.unt.edu.  You should consult BL at least once a week to check announcements/instructions. Also, essential material will regularly be posted on BL : weekly handouts (including questions on films), specific vocabulary exercises, etc. 5 BL classes will replace regular face-to-face class sessions (see schedule below).

COURSE OBJECTIVES

1. FRENCH FILM OVERVIEW The course seeks to develop an appreciation of the rich French tradition of filmmaking. The emphasis will be on how each selected film contributes to the development of a national tradition and/or reflects important issues in French culture (social issues, arts, literature, history). The film selection is as diverse as possible. It includes classic films as well as entertaining and current releases. Regarding film classics, the emphasis will be on the French Nouvelle Vague of the 1950-60s : Jean-Luc GODARD, François TRUFFAUT. The film selection will also present new trends in current French cinema with films by Olivier DAHAN, Agnès JAOUI, Anne FONTAINE, and Jean-Pierre JEUNET among others.

2. LANGUAGE ACQUISITION Specific language acquisition related to film analysis will be a component of this course. Specific vocabulary exercises/written questions will introduce to language acquisition. Meanwhile, oral and written proficiency will be developed and tested through various activities: class and group discussion, weekly written questions on films, and one final term paper. Sirvent/ FREN 4070 (Film), p. 2/10

3. HISTORY AND CULTURE The course will include films involving various aspects of French culture, history and art: from the 17th-century art (Le Roi danse), 18th-century (Ridicule) to the French Revolution (Danton), WW1 (Joyeux Noël, Un long dimanche de fiançailles), popular music (Edith Piaf), literature (Gemma Bovery), and contemporary France (Le goût des autres, Qu'est-ce qu'on a fait au Bon Dieu?). Specific reading assignments (weekly handouts) will introduce to a survey of French cinema.

GRADING 10% Attendance; film viewing ; participation to class discussions 40% Written questions on films (weekly handouts) 20% Blackboard class assignments 10% One in-class exam 20% One final term paper

GRADE DISTRIBUTION 100-90 = A 89-80 = B 79-70 = C 69-60 = D Below 60 = F

ABSENCES AND ATTENDANCE POLICY Since 10% of your course grade is based on attendance and participation, any absence will significantly affect your final grade. Attendance is mandatory and active class participation is essential to succeed in this class. Since it is a weekly class, missing more than one class will affect your final grade by at least 10%. The following 3 cases explained below are considered authorized absences.

Absence due to participation in a sponsored activity. Absences due to participation in sponsored activities must be approved in advance by the chair of the Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures and by your academic dean. Within 3 days after the absence, you must obtain authorized absence cards from the Dean of Students for presentation to your instructor.

Absence for religious holidays. Absences due to the observance of a religious holiday are authorized only if the religion is officially recognized by the University and you have notified your instructor of the date of the absence within the first 15 days of the semester. Notification must be in writing, with receipt of the notification acknowledged and dated by your instructor.

Absence due to illness, family emergency, etc. Absences due to illness, death in the family, or other emergencies will be authorized only if you contact your instructor immediately and if you provide proof that the absence was unavoidable (a physician's statement, accident report, obituary, service bulletin, etc.) within 3 days after the absence. All other absences will be considered unauthorized and missed work will not be accepted.

 Classes start at 9:00 AM sharp. Don't be tardy as : - it is very disruptive to the class to come late; - you will miss important instructions regarding class organization and updates. Sirvent/ FREN 4070 (Film), p. 3/10

 Missed work or classes may be excused with a documented, university-sanctioned proof of emergency only. If absence is excused, your may turn in homework at the next class meeting to avoid an F. Unless excused as stated above, late work will not be accepted.

 If you have to miss class, do not call the main office, contact your professor via BL mail.

WRITTEN ANSWERS ON FILMS ( 40% ) Step 1 : Before film viewing: handouts with vocabulary and questions on film will be posted on BL the week before film screening.  Download, print and read these handouts before viewing the film. Have the questions in mind while viewing the film.

Step 2 : After film viewing: written answers to questions on film will be turned the following week.  This homework must be typed. Handwritten answers will not be accepted. Film discussions: these same written questions will be answered orally in class (when time allows).

Length: For each question, your should write a paragraph including at least 3 complete sentences. Sentences should not be longer than 1 line-and-a half. At the beginning of the semester, your overall work should be at least one page long. Then, during the second third of the semester : one page-and-a half. During last third of the semester : 2 pages long.

Format: Typed, double spaced, font Times New Roman size 12, margins 2,5 cm.

• Following your written answers, you will also write your own question for class discussion about the film. Anyone can be asked to read his/her question for class discussion. Your question should be on a controversial or debatable issue regarding - French culture, literature or history or - A specific social issue or - Film analysis or - The history of French cinema.  This question must be typed and included at the end of your written answers (-10% if question is missing).

ONE IN-CLASS EXAM ( 10% ) The exams will include: - a vocabulary exercise on film based on weekly handouts and specific vocabulary exercises previously done in class (all available on BL). - a selection of written questions from weekly handouts on films.

ONE FINAL TERM PAPER ( 20% ) TOPIC: Your final paper will discuss each film included in one among the 8 film selections below. Your paper must focus on one or two specific scenes in each film. You will analyze these selected scenes. Sirvent/ FREN 4070 (Film), p. 4/10

The general theme to be discussed can be any topic (preferrably controversial) related either to - filmmaking technique - or the history of French cinema - or French culture/art/literature - or French history - or a specific social issue Any of these above topics must be directly related to one of the following film selections. Except for selections 9 and 10, all films are available in the Hulu Plus Criterion collection :

Sélection 1 : Classiques du cinéma policier français : Diabolique ; Confidentially yours ; L'assassin habite au 21 (or Purple Noon if still available) Sélection 2 : La Nouvelle vague : Les quatre cents coups (400 Blows) ; A bout de souffle ; Pickpocket Sélection 3 : Trois films de Jean-Luc Godard : Masculin Féminin ; Vivre sa vie ; Weekend Sélection 4 : Trois films d'Agnès Varda : La Pointe courte ; Cléo from 5 to 7 ; Vagabond Sélection 5 : Trois comédies et satires classiques de Jacques Tati : Les Vacances de M. Hulot (M. Hulot's Holidays) ; Mon oncle ; Playtime Sélection 6 : La révolution française : Danton ; La Nuit de Varennes Sélection 7 : La deuxième guerre mondiale : Au revoir les enfants ; Le Dernier Métro ; Lacombe Lucien. Sélection 8 : Trois films de Cédric Klapisch : L'Auberge espagnole (2003), Les Poupées russes (2005), Casse-tête chinois (2013).

 You can't change any selection content without the instructor’s agreement (for any change, contact your professor by Feb. 24 at the latest).

GUIDELINES FOR FINAL TERM PAPER

LENGTH: The paper will be 4 pp. long (excluding cover page and bibliography). FORMAT: Typed, double spaced, font Times New Roman size 12, margins 2,5 cm. COVER PAGE: It will include a title, an abstract, and an outline. CONTENT: Your paper should mainly be based on your own personal responses to films. METHOD: - Your paper should focus on specific scenes in each film related to your main topic. The best way to proceed is to carefully watch the films and discuss specific scenes. - Your paper should not be a compilation of information found in books or on the internet. Avoid general comments or topics which are not central to film content. BIBLIOGRAPHY: it should be minimal. Otherwise, 80% of your bibliography must be in French. FOOTNOTES: You are not supposed to copy or paste anything from a or from the net without using quotation marks and indicate the full references in footnotes. VOCABULARY: At least 20 words or expressions related to film vocabulary learned in this class will be used in your paper. These 20 items will be underlined. GRADE : Keep in mind that the level of your written French will be crucial to obtain a good grade. The content of your work may be extremely interesting. However, if there are too many grammar and vocabulary mistakes, your grade will be below B. More specifically, I will pay attention to specific vocabulary related to film as we worked on it throughout the semester (see all exercises that will also be on the in-class exams). Sirvent/ FREN 4070 (Film), p. 5/10

For example, avoid common mistakes such as bad translations for "director" or "character." Sirvent/ FREN 4070 (Film), p. 6/10

CALENDAR FOR FINAL TERM PAPER

Step 1: submit a topic by March 2 to be approved (-10% if submitted late) : this submission (typed and printed) will include a 5-line abstract, the tentative title of your paper, all film titles to be discussed (from only one of the 8 selections above).

Step 2: submit a final title, abstract (5-10 lines), outline, and short bibliography by March 23 (-10% if submitted late).

Step 3 : final paper to be sent via BL only by official Final Exam date.

BLACKBOARD LEARN ASSIGNMENTS There will 5 BL on line classes (see calendar below). Assignments with online instructions for film viewing (from Hulu+) will be posted on BL in advance (announcement section).

 For BL classes only : • Written assignments must be sent as attachments via blackboard mail only (not via my unt email) : use "messages" in the menu. • At the following in-class meeting on the following week, you must turn in a printed copy of the same assignment for teacher’s correction and grading. If you fail to turn in this printed copy, you will lose 20% of your grade. • All electronic documents must include class number and YOUR name in the attached document title. For example: FREN 4070-YOURNAME.doc. Your name must also be included on first page and in header within the document.

METHOD, REQUIREMENTS AND OTHER GROUND RULES • The course policies and syllabus are subject to change at the instructor’s discretion. • The course will be conducted in French. Most films are in French with English subtitles. • Film viewing is an essential component of this class as it provides effective immersion in French language and culture.  Even if you have already seen the film, it is essential to view it again for language immersion and be better prepared to answer questions. • If there is a problem (corrections, grammar, absences, etc.), contact me as soon as possible.  DO NOT wait until the end of the semester to do so. • Although your initial level in French may be excellent, what matters is the progress you make in this class. If you need help for your corrections, come and see me during my office hours. Sirvent/ FREN 4070 (Film), p. 7/10

CALENDRIER : FILMS AU PROGRAMME We will strictly follow the calendar below. However, this calendar is subject to change at the instructor’s discretion. Any change will be specified through BL announcements semaine 1 Introduction au cours: le cinéma français, le vocabulaire du cinéma 20 janvier Exercice de vocabulaire; questionnaire

I. ARTS : MUSIQUE ET LANGAGE semaine 2 Le Roi danse (2000). Réalisateur: Gérard CORBIAU (1h55) 27 janvier Thème: La musique et le théâtre sous Louis XIV semaine 3 Ridicule (1996). Réalisateur: Patrice LECONTE (1h42) 3 février Thème: Versailles à la veille de la Révolution française ; l'esprit français et l'amour du langage.

II. HISTOIRE DE FRANCE semaine 4 Cours blackboard 10 février Film sur Hulu Plus: Danton (1983), Réalisateur: Andrzej WAJDA (2h16) Thème: La Révolution française semaine 5 Joyeux Noel (2005). Réalisateur: Christian CARION (1h56) 17 février Thème: la première guerre mondiale et les fraternisations semaine 6 Cours blackboard : CLASSIQUES DE LA NOUVELLE VAGUE (1) 24 février • Film sur Hulu Plus : À Bout de souffle (Breathless) (1960). Réalisateur: Jean- Luc GODARD (1h30). Thème: le dialogue entre les cultures ; une parodie du genre policier

III. FEMMES CÉLÈBRES semaine 7 • La Môme (La Vie en rose) (2007). Réalisateur: Olivier DAHAN (2h21) 2 mars Thème: la chanson française : Edith Piaf • Dissertation : soumettre le sujet choisi (submit topic) semaine 8 • Gemma Bovery (2014). Réalisatrice: Anne FONTAINE (1h39) 9 mars Thème: l'influence de la littérature (Mme Bovary de Flaubert) sur la réalité sociale

14-19 mars VACANCES de PRINTEMPS

IV. LA FRANCE CONTEMPORAINE : COMÉDIES SOCIALES/ ÉTUDES DE MŒURS semaine 9 • Le goût des autres (2000). Réalisatrice: Agnès JAOUI (1h52) 23 mars Thème: une comédie sociale entre des gens de milieux culturels différents. • Dissertation (final paper) : soumettre le titre, le résumé, le plan et la bibliographie. semaine 10 Cours blackboard : CLASSIQUES DE LA NOUVELLE VAGUE (2) 30 mars • Film sur Hulu Plus : Masculin féminin (1966). Réalisateur: J.-L. GODARD (1H44). Thème : une étude de mœurs sur les jeunes des années 1960 Sirvent/ FREN 4070 (Film), p. 8/10

V. ADAPTATIONS D'ŒUVRES LITTÉRAIRES semaine 11 Adaptation du roman de Jean Giono 6 avril Le Hussard sur le toit (The Horseman on the roof) (1995), RAPPENEAU (1h59)

semaine 12 Cours blackboard : CLASSIQUES DE LA NOUVELLE VAGUE (3) 13 avril • Film sur Hulu Plus : Les Quatre-cents coups (The 400 Blows) (1959). Réalisateur: François TRUFFAUT (1h40) Thème: film autobiographique sur l'enfance, les parents, l'école, l'amitié

semaine 13 Adaptation du roman de Sébastien Japrisot 20 avril Un long dimanche de fiançailles (A Very Long Engagement) (2004) Réalisateur: Jean-Pierre JEUNET (2h14) Thème: la première guerre mondiale

semaine 14 • Examen en classe (1h) 27 avril • Qu'est-ce qu'on a fait au Bon Dieu? (2014), Philippe de CHAUVERON (1h37) Thème: comédie sociale sur les différences religieuses

28 avril-3 mai : Pre-finals week semaine 15 Cours blackboard : CLASSIQUES DE LA NOUVELLE VAGUE (4) 4 mai • Film sur Hulu Plus : Le Dernier Métro (The Last Metro) (1980), François TRUFFAUT (2h11). Thème: la vie culturelle et théâtrale pendant la Résistance

semaine 16 (Finals) 11 mai 8:00-10:00 AM : Dissertation finale (final paper): version finale à rendre via blackboard.

ABOUT INCOMPLETES A grade of (I), Incomplete, is a non-punitive grade given only during the last one-fourth of a semester and only if a student (1) is passing the course; (2) has justifiable reason why the work cannot be completed on schedule; and (3) arranges with the instructor to finish the course at a later date by completing specific requirements that the instructor must list on the grade sheet. All work in the course must be completed within the specified time (not to exceed one year after taking the course). This process must be initiated by the student. The official request form must be signed by the student, the instructor, and the dept./division chair. If all conditions are not met and all parties do not approve, no grade of Incomplete will be given. Please consult the appropriate UNT Catalog and an academic advisor for additional information.

STATEMENT REGARDING ACADEMIC HONESTY The Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures fully supports and enforces all university policies regarding academic misconduct (cheating, plagiarism, fabrication, etc.) and personal misconduct (disruptive behavior, incivility, etc.) as outlined in the “Code of Student Conduct and Discipline” available online at www.unt.edu/csrr. Please be certain that all of the work that you present for a grade in FREN 3050 is your own and pay special attention to the use of the Internet as a source of material. Sirvent/ FREN 4070 (Film), p. 9/10

If you have any questions about what constitutes academic or personal misconduct in the context of this class, please ask your instructor. About Plagiarism policy: http://www.unt.edu/csrr/development/dishonesty.html

STUDENT BEHAVIOR IN THE CLASSROOM Student behavior that interferes with an instructor’s ability to conduct a class or other students' opportunity to learn is unacceptable and disruptive and will not be tolerated in any instructional forum at UNT. Students engaging in unacceptable behavior will be directed to leave the classroom and the instructor may refer the student to the Center for Student Rights and Responsibilities to consider whether the student's conduct violated the Code of Student Conduct. The university's expectations for student conduct apply to all instructional forums, including university and electronic classroom, labs, discussion groups, field trips, etc. The Code of Student Conduct can be found at www.unt.edu/csrr

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• Website of the Dean of Students: https://deanofstudents.unt.edu/ (Academic Integrity, Conduct, Policies, Resources) • Undergraduate/Graduate Catalog: http://catalog.unt.edu/ (Links are available to current and archived undergraduate and graduate catalogs.) • Spring 2016 Registration Guide: http://registrar.unt.edu/registration/spring-registration-guide

DISABILITY ACCOMMODATION: The University of North Texas makes reasonable academic accommodation for students with disabilities. Students seeking reasonable accommodation must first register with the Office of Disability Accommodation (ODA) to verify their eligibility. If a disability is verified, the ODA will provide you with a reasonable accommodation letter to be delivered to faculty to begin a private discussion regarding your specific needs in a course. You may request reasonable accommodations at any time, however, ODA notices of reasonable accommodation should be provided as early as possible in the semester to avoid any delay in implementation. Note that students must obtain a new letter of reasonable accommodation for every semester and must meet with each faculty member prior to implementation in each class. Students are strongly encouraged to deliver letters of reasonable accommodation during faculty office hours or by appointment. Faculty members have the authority to ask students to discuss such letters during their designated office hours to protect the privacy of the student. For additional information see the Office of Disability Accommodation website at http://www.unt.edu/oda. You may also contact them by phone at 940.565.4323. Sirvent/ FREN 4070 (Film), p. 10/10