French Literature

Introduction

Introduction of Field of Research
The French Literature Field of Research does not focus strictly upon existing forms of literature but looks at them with a broad view of language expression activities. While using novels, poetry, essays, and so on as a nucleus, decentralized literary activities are examined mostly from a modern viewpoint. Students come to understand the variable nature of what literature is. Looking at the way the world broadens from one piece of literature or one author is in other words to come to know the terrible condensed activities of literature that reduces a world to mere words.

In the class, through a diligent reading of the literary text, students will come to understand the period, way of thinking, and historical background that it envelopes and strive for an understanding of the text from several angles. Not only will students be involved in literary theory and an analysis of the text, they will consider what it is to understand foreign culture through comprehending the text from a cultural/thinking viewpoint. Students will mainly use modern texts and books. However, during the class, energy will also be put into developing abilities in critiquing and French language use in order to develop the skills needed to write a thesis. There are two professors and throughout the year the course is divided into three types; “Studies in French Literature”, “Studies in History of French Literature”, and “Special Studies in French Literature”.

Students will learn start-up courses within the French Literature Field of Research and will be able to complete the literature and linguistics requirements. Besides this, students will also be able to complete start-up courses for fields of research and a modern language/modern culture major. Students will be able to connect the knowledge and skills they develop in class to their interests and research to learn how to nurture deeper analyzing capabilities. Furthermore, those results may be publicized in the “French language field of research / French literature field of research publication” and the “University of Tsukuba French linguistics and literature collection of essays (Bulletin de Linguistique et de Litterature Francaises de l’Universite de Tsukuba)” (first published by University of Tsukuba French Linguistics and Literature Research Group, 1983) which is published annually. It can be said that this is a stimulating opportunity to present one’s research results to the outside world. By making continuous accomplishments, with regards to the completion of one’s degree, students can progress from their mid-term evaluation thesis (master’s thesis) to their doctor’s thesis and so on. Externally, students are able to advance from Japan’s French Literature Group (La Societe Japonaise de Langue et Litterature Francaises)’s main conference to the Kanto Conference and other competitions with other groups.

There are many graduates of the French Literature Field of Research at University of Tsukuba. It may be a reflection of the freedom of the research room, but graduates have chosen a wide variety of research topics. Research is left up to the desire of the students and is not limited to any particular era and range from of course the 19th and 20th century to the Middle Ages, to 17th century Moliere, and 18th century Laclos. Most graduates have moved on to work as full-time university professors or part-time assistant professors. There are others who have used the teaching certificate they received at university and become high school teachers, and others that work at an embassy.

Faculty

OGAWA Midori	French literature (Modern literature)
MASUO Hiromi	French literature (French modern novels)

For further information, contact: Masuo: masuo.hiromi.fm@u.tsukuba.ac.jp

---

• To mainmenu
• To contents