UCL - English literature: in-depth study of an author

[GERM2826]

[15h] 5 credits

This course is taught in the 1st semester.

Teacher(s): Véronique Bragard

Language: English

Level: Second

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

Aims

The aim of this course is to help the student acquire a scholarly method to read and analyse literary texts written by one particular author, to analyse their impact, and to situate these texts in their historical, sociological and generic context. At the end of the course, the students will be able to read and write essays in the studied field by relying on the literary knowledge they have acquired.

The course is also indirectly meant to increase the students' lexical skills. Their analyses will therefore have to reflect a command of the English language that corresponds to their level (Masters), as well as a good grasp of the various cultural concepts discussed in the course.

Main themes

The lecturer will have a choice between a major author of the Older Period (the Middle Ages to the end of the 18th century - e.g. William Shakespeare), or a more recent writer (e.g. T.S. Eliot, Toni Morrison). The course will examine how the literary perception of this writer has changed in the course of time, and how his or her impact on literature and society has likewise developed.

Content and teaching methods

Caryl Phillips

This seminar will introduce students to Caryl Phillipss creative work. Born in the Caribbean, Caryl Phillips grew up in Leeds and lives in New York. Most concerned with restlessness and the contemporary migrant condition, he is a leading figure in the context of postcolonial literatures and Black British fiction. In this class, we will focus our attention on understanding how Caryl Phillips confronts and fictionalizes the trauma of dislocation and the legacies of slavery at the same time as he challenges Britishness. We will analyse several creative texts pertaining to different genres (historical novel, play and travel essays). This course will also include references to cinematic artistic productions and interviews. Class discussion will be encouraged.

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

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

Evaluation : Oral and/or written exam. When the course is organised as a seminar, active participation (oral presentation, discussions, term paper) is taken into account.

Teaching material : Secondary literature linked to the topic of the course. Reading of the selected literary works and of critical studies.