UCL - Civilisation of the German-speaking countries : cultural aspects

[GERM1315]

[30h] 4 credits

This course is taught in the 2d semester.

This two-yearly course is taught in 2011-2012, 2013-2014,...

Teacher(s): Hubert Roland

Language: D

Level: First

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

Aims

General survey of the cultural developments of the German-/ English-/ Dutch-speaking countries.
By the end of the course, students are expected to have acquired an understanding of the culture of the European countries where German/ English/ Dutch is a major language.

Main themes

The course studies the major cultural, artistic and political trends and developments in the European countries that have German, English or Dutch as a principal language (intellectual life, visual arts, music, architecture, etc.).

Content and teaching methods

The cultural specificities of the German-speaking countries since the 16th century will be studied in depth. The course offers a global approach on the fields of philosophy and literature, theatre and history of ideas, the relations between culture and society, etc. Particular attention will be paid to the European contextualization of the cultural aspects of German civilization, especially via the history of the Franco-German intellectual dialogue. Selective working methods inspired from the comparative studies (cultural transfers, reception studies, Imagology, sites of memory) will illustrate on this basis that no "national" culture emerges without close interaction with the neighboring cultural areas. Themes discussed: the Franco-German intellectual dialogue in the Enlightenments, the impact of the French Revolution and the image of Napoleon among the German intellectuals, Madame de Staël and the construction of "Romantic Germany", German exile in France, etc.

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

Pre-course requirements: a good knowledge of German/ English/ Dutch, both spoken and written.
Assessment: oral or written exam based on both the lectures and required reading
Study aids: reading list, text syllabus; excursion.