Master’s program in French-language literature planned

Students looking to pursue graduate studies in literature in French have a new option, thanks to Concordia University’s Département des Études françaises. A new master’s program is being launched next fall called the maîtrise en littératures francophones et résonances médiatiques.

Unlike standard French-language literature programs, which tend to focus exclusively on literary works, this 45-credit program will enable students to explore the development of literature within the context of its changing relationship to society and the media, said Ollivier Dyens, an associate professor in the department.

“As far as I know, we’re on the leading edge [in Quebec],” Dyens said. “It would be useless to try to compete head-on with the francophone universities at what they do best, the conventional literature courses.

“However, Concordia is well known for communications and the arts. We have students from all over the world, and a very eclectic faculty who are interested in many other subjects. We’re going to try to bring them all together.”

The curriculum includes standard graduate-level seminars on literary theory and research methods. It also features courses on literature in a technological environment and the relationship between literature and power. “With all of the changes that we are witnessing in the media and society, we can no longer think of literature as just reading and writing,” Dyens said.

Besides submitting a written thesis, students will have the option of producing part of their seminal work in another media form, including video, CD-Rom or a web site. The first classes will begin in September, and there’s enough room for 15 students to attend in the first year.