UCL - In-depth study of a period of Dutch literature

[GERM2732]

[22.5h] 5 credits

This course is taught in the 1st semester.

Teacher(s): Sonja Vanderlinden

Language: NL

Level: Second

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

Aims

The students should be able to distinguish the different literary developments in the second half of the 20th century. They should be acquainted with the novelists and authors of short novels from 1945 to the present, and be able to assess current literary trends and developments from a critical perspective.

Main themes

The course focuses on the development of narrative prose from 1945 to the present and is illustrated by the analysis of some representative works.

Content and teaching methods

The course is divided into different chapters : the 'traditional' novel, magical realism, the existentialist novel, the 'nouveau roman', realist prose from the seventies, the 'De Revisor' movement, the genealogical and autobiographical novel, and postmodernism.

Introductions to the different literary movements are presented 'ex cathedra'. A coursebook will help the students to approach the material. The movements are then illustrated with a detailed study of representative works. Small groups prepare and present their analysis to the class. Interaction is encouraged. All the texts are read and prepared at home by the students. The students who prepare the analysis submit a written report to the teacher.

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

Prerequisites : an introductory knowledge of Dutch literature and a good proficiency in Dutch (advanced level, B2 + in terms of the Common European reference framework).
Evaluation :Written exam on the studied texts. Oral exam, starting from a personal reading. Oral presentation, written reports and participation are taken into account.
Teaching materials : Coursebook with the main ideas of the theoretical introduction, as well as the names of the authors and the titles of their works. Novels and short stories that are analysed during the course.
Course holder / Course supervision : Preparation of the analysis in small groups with the teacher.