UCL - Dutch literature: in-depth study of a literary movement

[GERM2736]

[15h] 5 credits

This course is taught in the 2d 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 a literary movement that has marked Dutch literature (e.g.: De beweging van Tachtig, De Revisor, postmodernism). The students will find out how this movement is situated in a historical, sociological and cultural context and how it is 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 a literary movement that has marked Dutch literature. In-depth reading of the theoretical texts written by the authors themselves (for instance: essays, manifestos) and secondary literature concerning the studied movement. Detailed analysis of the literary texts belonging to the studied movement.

Content and teaching methods

Flemish literature and the grotesque
Paul van Ostaijen's 'grostesques', Gust Gils' 'paraprose', some novels and short stories by Louis-Paul Boon, Hugo Claus, and Stefan Hertmans: the experience with which the reader of these texts is confronted is a disruption of logical landmarks. Effects of surprise, situation comedy, tragic views getting out of one's depth, the discovery of a language at times sarcastic and satirical, yet at times so unrestrained that it borders on a linguistic frenzy and exaggerates it, imaginary richness, breaking taboos the phenomenon of the grotesque is a major issue for many writers of the 20th century.

The issue of the grotesque will first be put into perspective in an introductory lecture. The old and syncretic field of research on the theories of the grotesque will thus be made operational by means of contemporary conceptual tools (research on the grotesque in contemporary literature). Through this theoretical dialogue, a network of definitions will increasingly emerge and enable a dynamic reading of the studied literary texts. This dynamic reading will be the main focal point of this course. The final issue of the course will be to question the particular relations between a certain 'Flemish literature' of the 20th century and the grotesque.

The course aims at an interactive learning method: the introductive lecture will be punctuated with a discussion of some (excerpts of) theoretical texts by and with the students; there will be a critical reading of the literary texts by the lecturer, followed by a personal analysis by the students.

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 : Active participation in the course or seminar (oral presentation, discussions, written essay) is taken into account. Final evaluation based on written examination (or possibly a personal essay) and oral examination, based on the student's personal reading.

Teaching material : Secondary literature linked with the topic of the course. Reading of the literary works that have been selected and their critiques.

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