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Classical myth in French and francophone cinema

Module description

Classical myth is currently enjoying a revival in literature and film, yet the focus to date has been predominantly on anglophone receptions of myths on screen. This module will explore a selection of films from France and Canada which engage with classical myth, analysing them individually in their own right, but also considering the reasons for the distinctions between receptions in the anglophone and francophone worlds. You will explore contemporary concerns such as immigration, refugees and gender dynamics, while considering the power of myth to comment upon current events. You do not need to have prior knowledge of individual myths.

Please be advised that this module contains material that may be distressing - there is discussion of infanticide and one of the films depicts an abortion.

Module aims - intentions of the module

This module aims to enable you to develop a critical understanding of classical reception and adaptation, as well as an appreciation of the distinctive qualities of French and francophone cinema. As well as embarking upon detailed analysis of individual films, you will explore the ways an individual myth (such as the myth of Orpheus) is shaped by specific national concerns, and how the films may comment upon and illuminate each other. The module is designed to hone your skills of interdisciplinary research and argument.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 1. Demonstrate a sound understanding of the chosen texts, including issues of adaptation and translation between different media.
• 2. Demonstrate a sound understanding of the cultural context of the different films. By the end of the module you will be familiar with the relevant myths. You are not expected to have previous specialist knowledge.

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 3. Evaluate and apply a range of critical approaches to the material covered.
• 4. Analyse selected films through the lens of reception and/ or relevant cultural context.

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 5. Adopt a critical approach to the select texts and produce to a deadline a sound written argument.
• 6. Demonstrate general competence in word processing and academic conventions.

Syllabus plan

Through a combination of lectures and seminars we shall explore a selection of the following films:

• Jean Cocteau – Orphée (1950)
• Jean-Luc Godard – Le Mépris (1963)
• Danis Tanovic – L’Enfer (2005)
• Christophe Honoré– Métamorphoses (2014)
• Céline Sciamma – Portrait de la jeune fille en feu (2019)
• Sophie Deraspe – Antigone (2019)
• Alice Diop – Saint Omer (2022)

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Formative assessment

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Details of summative assessment

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Re-assessment notes

Deferral – if you miss an assessment for certificated reasons judged acceptable by the Mitigation Committee, you will normally be either deferred in the assessment or an extension may be granted. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of deferral will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment.

Referral – if you have failed the module overall (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 40%) you will be required to submit a further assessment as necessary. If you are successful on referral, your overall module mark will be capped at 40%.

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

Indicative viewing:

• Jean Cocteau – Orphée (1950)
• Jean-Luc Godard – Le Mépris (1963)
• Danis Tanovic – L’Enfer (2005)
• Christophe Honoré– Métamorphoses (2014)
• Céline Sciamma – Portrait de la jeune fille en feu (2019)
• Sophie Deraspe – Antigone (2019)
• Alice Diop – Saint Omer (2022)

Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources

• ELE – Faculty to provide hyperlink to appropriate pages

Indicative learning resources - Other resources

• A helpful bibliography will be provided on the ELE page.

Key words search

Classical reception, Myth, French cinema, Francophone cinema