UCL - German literature: in-depth study of a theme

[GERM2714]

[30h] 5 credits

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

Teacher(s): Hubert Roland

Language: D

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 a literary theme or motive in German speaking literatures. The students will analyse the historical and/or socio-cultural context of the defined subject. The presence of this theme in other European literatures and other artistic disciplines will also be considered.

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 a literary theme or motive in German literature: identity quest, images of women, migration literature, etc. In-depth reading of the primary literature and selective reading of theoretical texts concerning the studied theme.

Content and teaching methods

This course deals with the current question of 'realism(s)" in the German literature of the last twenty years. If contemporary writers definitely believe that they left the traditional European realism of the second part of the 19th century and its vision of the world behind them, they still seek to transmit a global view on the "totality of reality" and claim for the appellation "realism", in various forms. While doing so, they try to enlarge the borders of realism, to integrate an archetypal ("mythical realism") or an irrational dimension ("magical realism") to it. Besides they happen to scrutinize the society of their time, notably the power of images and of new mass media communication ("popular realism"). In this beginning 21st century we also observe the intention of the novelist to write and re-write history in the form of a chronicle or of fictional texts competing, in a way, with the work of the historian. Authors discussed: Günter Grass, Daniel Kehlmann, Christoph Ransmayer, Bernhard Schlink, W.G. Sebald.
A list of works to be read will be communicated before the beginning of the course.

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

Prerequisites: an introductory knowledge of German literature and a good proficiency in German (advanced level, B2 + in terms of the Common European reference framework).

Evaluation : Active participation in the course or seminar (oral presentation, discussions, written essay) is taken into account. Final evaluation based on a written exam (or possibly a personal essay) and oral exam, starting from a personal reading of the texts.

Course supervision: Preparation of the analysis in small groups with the teacher.