A plea to promote reading
The purpose of the Literary contests is to share the love of reading and encourage students to read. This double project combines the “LEA Student Literary Prize” with a public speaking contest.
Each January, a select few students, passionate about both French and foreign literature are selected by the department and the Amicale LEA, the foreign language students’ association, to form the jury of the Literary Prize. In February, they receive three novels from the previous publishing season: two in French and one in English. In mid-September, as part of the “Bibliothèques Idéales” festival, they will each plea in favour of their preferred work. They will have to convince a jury composed of students and staff from the LEA bachelor’s degree; representatives of the partner “Librairie Kléber” bookshop; and representatives of the Faculty of Languages and of the presidency of the university; all gathered in the Cavaillès amphitheatre.
Three prizes for one public speaking contest
At the end of this public speaking contest, the audience awards three “Eloquence Prizes“:
- the “Plea Prize“, which will reward the literary and argumentative quality of the speech
- the “Humour Prize“, which will recognise the ability to build an affinity with the audience through wit and humour
- the “Speaker’s Prize“, which will highlight expressive qualities
At the same time, after deliberation, the group of speakers declares to the audience which novel wins the “LEA Student Literary Prize“.
Throughout the academic year, and depending on the time constraints of the “Librairie Kléber” bookshop which finances the operation, the members of the Literary Contests’ project organise a conference and a debate on campus with a winning author. They host the conference and the debate and award the “LEA Student Literary Prize” to the novelist in the Salle Blanche of the “Librairie Kléber” bookstore.
A jury with complementary motivations
Students have many different motivations for participating in this project. Some want to nourish their passion for reading, others participate for the challenge, while others participate because they are confident in their public speaking skills. This project offers its participants the opportunity to develop different and complementary skills. Firstly, they will analyse contemporary texts in relation with topical issues both in English and in French. Secondly, they will write an argumentative text to convince and persuade an audience of their personal choice of a book. Finally, they will make a plea in front of a large audience.
The promotion of literary authors
In September of 2019, the Literary Contests group will promote three different works: Entrez dans la danse by Jean Teulé, Quatre-vingt-dix secondes by Daniel Picouly et My absolute darling by Gabriel Tallent (in its original language).
As part of the “Missions Professionnelles” (professional engagement) plan, Mrs Marie Seux, actress and comedian, will take on the role of professional tutor. In order to help them prepare their oral presentation in front of a 500-person amphitheatre, the students will be accompanied by two academic tutors, who are specialized in teaching public speaking skills: Mr Gallet and Mr Gérard.