| CODE | FRE3038 | |||||||||
| TITLE | Auteurs français d'origines maltaises/ French authors of Maltese origin | |||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 03 - Years 2, 3, 4 in Modular Undergraduate Course | |||||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 6 | |||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 4 | |||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | French | |||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | The literature we are dealing with consists mainly of poetry and also of autobiography. The importance of this latter genre is due to the fact that political upheaval in North Africa changed radically the life of these Maltese who were forced to move to metropolitan France. They needed to give an account of their very difficult experience. There exist also two French authors who were born in France but publicly admit their Maltese descent. One must add that not all the autobiographical literature of "Maltese" authors compelled to leave their home in North Africa is in the French language. There exist two who emigrated to English-speaking countries and who for this reason wrote in English. These fall beyond the scope of this unit of studies. Study-Unit Aims: The study-unit shows students that France is after all not so distant culturally from our islands. The Maltese have in the past mastered French to the point where they expressed themselves in writing in that language. Authors of Maltese descent turned to the French language to relate the turning-point of their lives. This moment is fraught with drama. Others belonged to a French environment so much so they felt they could join a literary movement, even try the scriptural style of some famous Parisian author. These Franco-Maltese authors are obviously marginal yet Maltese students will definitely like to get to know them especially if they are given a good introduction. Besides French Erasmus students who, by nature, are cosmopolitan will hopefully show interest too. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding: Students will acquire a sound knowledge of French Algeria and the revolutionary movement that led to war. In this manner they will better appraise Dimech’s “D’une jetée l’autre” which describes the Maltese community of Algiers and after diaspora. A closer analysis of Ropa’s “Le Chant de la noria”, published in 1933, reveals how fragile the bucolic atmosphere of this novel really is. Eugène Fenech’s account of our islands in that fateful year of 1798 explains the raison d’être of the local pro-French party. 2. Skills: Students will examine how Fleri and Raoul Parme are related to the Symbolist poetry movement. As regards Jean-Claude Xuereb, students will be able to distinguish the ideological affinities that this poet shares with major French authors like Char and Camus. Research shows that the author Maurice Ciantar touches upon themes that are perennial in literature. A logistical skill is important above all. Given that the writings of Franco-Maltese authors are not easily accessible, they are to search patiently for them. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: Main Texts: - Laurent Ropa, “Le Chant de la noria », éd. de l’Atlanthrope, 1980. - Pierre Dimech, « D’une jetée l’autre », éd. Jean Curutchet, 1997. - Louis Fleri, « Les Emois factices », éd. De la Nouvelle revue d’Egypte, Alexandrie, 1903. - Raoul Parme, « Parabole de l’inconnue », Abu Fadil Press, Cairo, 1954. - Maurice Ciantar, « Et qu’on n’en parle plus ! », du Lérot éditeur, 1989. Supplementary Readings: - Jean-Claude Xuereb, « Double versant de la rencontre », éd. Rougerie, 1988. - Eugène Fenech, « Mémoires (1786-1939) d’un officier e santé maltais dans l’armée française », éd. La Vouivre, 2001. |
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| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture | |||||||||
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2025/6. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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