This module centres on narratology, the structural study of fictional narrative. Narratological analysis addresses questions such as: How can we talk about the selection of detail in fiction? What are the implications of having characters narrate their own stories? You will study a major work of narratology, and apply its principles to some classic French literary texts from the Middle Ages to the 19th century (COM6006 students will study the texts in translation). Creative writing work, based on the set texts - rewriting passages, composing additional episodes, etc. - plays an important part in the module, developing your understanding of texts and techniques as well as your skills in written expression.