The role of literary theory in teaching and learning of French literature in Nigeria

Abstract

Literary theory is the apex of literary studies. We have various theoretical subdivisions of the literary theory that facilitate the teaching and learning of literature. For example, the university theory, socialism, modernism, feminism, existentialism, naturalism, romanticism, feminism, absurdity, etc. It is a truism that we have different types of literature in the world. For example, African literature, French literature, Caribbean literature, Igala literature, Tiv literature and Yoruba literature, etc. These are products of the society. It is pertinent to note that the primordial role and the specific value of literary pedagogy is to project the society. It is indeed, by this specific value that we look at literature as the mirror of the society. French literature is also a perfect illustration of this reality. Unfortunately, the pedagogy of French literature, be it in colleges of education, be it in universities doesn’t captivate the interest of most students. This has provoked the researcher to re-examine the place and efficiency of literary theory in the in-depth study of French literature. This will give us another intellectual opportunity to look at some of the academic problems associated with the domain. For example, the methodological problems, the problem of materials and that of the socio-milieu. It is in view of this that the paper calls for possible solutions that will render the literary pedagogy in this domain more motivating and efficient.