University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 15

ECTS credits : 7

Level : SCQF level 10

Semester: 1

Availability restrictions: Not automatically available to General Degree students

Planned timetable: To be arranged.

This module introduces students to the tradition of French crime fiction and its contemporary manifestations. Via a survey of classic sub-genres of crime fiction from the early twentieth-century onwards, followed by close reading of texts by key contemporary (post-1985) crime writers, students will learn about: the historical background of the genre; how and where crime fiction is situated in the fields of 'popular culture' and literature in general; what different sub-genres of crime fiction exist. The module will focus both on the specific features of crime fiction (social/historical/political engagement of the set texts; narrative and linguistic strategies) and on the mutually illuminating relationship between genre fiction and 'high' literature.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisite(s): Before taking this module you must pass FR2202 or pass FR2022 or pass FR2032

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 1 seminar and 1 surgery hour.

Scheduled learning hours: 16

Guided independent study hours: 134

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: 2-hour Written Examination = 60%, Coursework = 40%

As defined by QAA
Written examinations : 60%
Practical examinations : 0%
Coursework: 40%

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