University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 15

ECTS credits : 7

Level : SCQF level 10

Semester: 2

Planned timetable: To be arranged.

How have writers and artists reacted to the rise of consumer society in modern France? To what extent does the desire to possess shape social and gender roles? These are some of the questions which this module intends to explore, drawing on a varied corpus encompassing literature, film, television, advertisement, and ranging from Emile Zola's Au Bonheur des dames to Frédéric Beigbeder's 99 Francs. We will look at reactions to the rise of the bourgeois society, the use of objects in surrealist art, representations and criticisms of la société de consommation, as well as literary and sociological approaches to (anti-)consumerism, from the end of the nineteenth century to the turn of the new millennium.

Relationship to other modules

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

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 1 seminar and 1 surgery hour, plus occasional and optional film/video viewing.

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%