The specificity of literary discourse: theory and analysis

Language

French

Prerequisites

Skills in literary analysis, knowledge of the history of French-language literature and the main theories of literature 

Main themes

Literature transmits and questions other discourses (social, political, ethical, economic, religious, scientific, etc.), but in a specific way. This specificity is constantly redefined, depending on the nature and function that writers recognise or attribute to language, which is at once the instrument they wield, the complex material they work, and the active force that determines them.  
The specificity of literary discourse therefore depends on its particular enunciation. The aim of the course is to provide the concepts and models needed to formulate and situate this specificity, and to analyse these particular enunciative modalities in texts. 

Learning outcomes

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :
1	Situate the theories aimed at defining the specificity of literary discourse and its relationship to other discourses;
2	Analyse a literary work from the point of view of the effects it produces as a discourse.
This learning unit contributes to the development and command of the following skills and learning outcomes of the ELAL programmes (ELAL learning outcomes).

Content

Based on a number of exemplary works and on a few theoretical references, the course provides the concepts needed to identify the specific nature of literary discourse (“signifiant”, letter, writing, device, enunciation, address, discourse, dialogism, singularity, exception, act) and demonstrates their operational value through in-depth analyses of the works on the programme. 
The course is underpinned by a theoretical orientation, but proceeds empirically and inductively, starting with the works on the programme. 

Teaching methods

Lecture, based on a set of preparatory readings. The inductive method encourages interaction with students. 

Evaluation methods

Presentation of a personal paper during an oral examination. It is essential to attend the course. 

Bibliography

Une bibliographie établie en fonction du programme de l'année est déposée sur moodle.

Faculty or entity

> ELAL