UCL - Littérature néerlandaise : étude approfondie d'un auteur de la littérature néerlandaise

[GERM2836]

[15h] 5 credits

This course is taught in the 1st semester.

Teacher(s): Stéphanie Vanasten

Language: NL

Level: Second

Aims
Main themes
Content and teaching methods
Other information (prerequisite, evaluation (assessment methods), course materials recommended readings, ...)

Aims

The aim of the course is to acquire a deeper insight into the works of an author that has marked Dutch literature (e.g.: Hugo Claus, Hella S. Haasse, Guido Gezelle, Hendrik Marsman). The students will find out how these works are situated in a historical, sociological and cultural context and how they are related to other European literatures and artistic fields.

This approach is a continuation of the courses on history of literature and civilisation of the bachelor programme, and makes use of previously acquired insights into literary theory. It aims to increase the students' literary knowledge and to develop a critical attitude towards the interpretation of literary texts in their adequate context. This approach also aims to teach the students how to write a critical essay in the studied field.

Main themes

In-depth analysis of an author that has marked Dutch literature. In-depth reading of the secondary literature about the author. Analysis of the author's literary texts.

Content and teaching methods

Contenu :
This seminar proposes to closely (re)read, (re)view, (re)hear Hugo Claus, one of the most famous contemporary Flemish writers. It will interrogate how his 'work' underscores several postures, portraits and stages of the author as a poet, prosewriter, playwright, translator, producer and painter. But who exactly is Hugo Claus? Since Claus has borrowed from, among others, Artaud, Faulkner, Shakespeare or Hölderlin, it seems interesting to question the concept of "author".
In order to do this, we will study several aesthetic productions (a play, a poem, a novel excerpt, a piece of script, a translation, a painting) in a comparative perspective. For each analysis, we will examine some major concepts of the reception of Claus' work: intertextuality and text-image interaction, link between literature and popular culture, marginality, relation to politics, etc. and try to demonstrate how they determine the perception of the author Claus.

Méthode :
Lectures. Audio-visual materials and interactive activities will be used. The students are expected to do some preparatory reading and research to take part in the discussion. If possible, the course will be organised as a seminar.

Other information (prerequisite, evaluation (assessment methods), course materials recommended readings, ...)

Evaluation: Continuous assessment. Active participation in the course or seminar (oral presentation, discussions and workshops) is required. Final evaluation based on an oral exam (the students are expected to write an essay based on the course).

Teaching material: texts, handouts, documents on i-campus