University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 15

ECTS credits : 7

Level : SCQF level 10

Semester: 2

Availability restrictions: Not automatically available to General Degree students

Planned timetable: To be arranged

Renaissance writing is marked by polyphony: its multiple, shifting narrative voices are part of an intellectual movement that resists the imposition of authority in favour of interpretative freedom. Many of these voices belong to women, as writers and as characters, and they variously challenge or confirm some of the dominant cultural narratives of the European Renaissance. This module examines the roles and representation of women's voices in a range of texts by (largely) canonical French Renaissance writers, both male and female, read in conjunction with equally vocal texts (taught in translation) from the wider European Renaissance. It examines the place accorded to women in literary culture, and considers women's influence over the social concerns either felt by or attributed to them. In its focus on the power of women's voices, in a context of insecure narrative authority and cultural internationalism, the module thus reflects Renaissance concerns that still resonate today.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisite(s): Before taking this module you must pass FR2201 and pass FR2202

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact:

Scheduled learning hours: 21

Guided independent study hours: 125

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: Coursework = 100%

As defined by QAA
Written examinations : 0%
Practical examinations : 0%
Coursework: 100%

Re-assessment: 3-hour Written Examination = 100%

Personnel

Module coordinator: Dr E Herdman
Module teaching staff: Dr E Herdman
Module coordinator email eh58@st-andrews.ac.uk