Dutch literature: modernism, postmodernism, late postmodernism [ LGERM2736 ]

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An introductory knowledge of Dutch literature and a good proficiency in Dutch (advanced level, B2 +  of the Common European reference framework).

In-depth study of one of the three major artistic movements that have deeply influenced Dutch literature : modernism, postmodernism and late postmodernism.

Scientific analysis of literary texts and their place in the literary field and in the history of literature, detailed reading of theoretical texts written by the writers themselves (essays, manifestos, for instance) and secondary literature on the movements studied.

At the end of the course, students will be able to

- critically discuss the literary impact of three major literary movements that have deeply influenced the Western arts in the 20th century : modernism, postmodernism and late postmodernism ;
- put into practice the different text analysis methods used during the course ;
- deepen  their literary and cultural knowledge ;
- critically interpret texts and integrate the sociocultural context in this heuristic approach ;
- read and write scholarly essays in the domain studied ;

This approach is a continuation of the courses on the history of literature and civilization of the bachelor program, and makes use of previously acquired insights into literary theory.

Continuous assessment. Active participation in the course or seminar (oral presentation, discussions and workshops) is required.

Final evaluation based on an oral exam (the students are expected to write an essay based on the course).

Lectures. Audio-visual materials and interactive activities will be used. The students are expected to do some preparatory reading and research in order to take part in the discussion. If possible, the course will be organised as a seminar.

Even if it has been given a rough ride by Michel Foucault (1969) and declared dead by Roland Barthes (1968), the figure of the author continues to fascinate us. In the past decade, we have observed what could be called 'the death of the dead author' (Pieters, 2007) or, even, the reallocation to the author of the responsibility of his writings (Brillendurg Wurth & Rigner 2006). Postmodern irony and relativism have given way to the new committed author who embodies 'late postmodernism,' as Thomas Vaessens suggests (« laatpostmodernisme », Vaessens, 2009).

This course aims to consider the above-mentioned debate from a critical point of view, and let the author (with all the complexity that this concept implies) speak. We will start from a critical analysis of the contemporary author's self-representation in both his/her autobiographical discourse and the referential games that can be detected in his/her works, to then analyze the issues related to this commitment and renewed claim to authorship.

- De Martelaere Patricia, Het onverwachte antwoord, Amsterdam, Meulenhoff, 2004. (19,95 euros)

- Wiener, L.H., De verering van Quirina T., Amsterdam, Contact, 2006. (10 euros)

- Jongstra, Atte, Klinkende Ikken, Amsterdam, De Arbeiderspers, 2008. (25 euros).

Teaching material: texts, handouts, documents on i-campus.