Dutch literature: Contemporary Dutch literature [ LGERM2732 ]

Have passed the bachelor courses in Dutch literature and have a good proficiency in Dutch (advanced level, B2 + of the Common European reference framework).

The course aims to familiarize students with contemporary Dutch-speaking literature. We will study the profile and positioning of the subject selected, from the second half of the 20th century right up to the contemporary period. Attention will be paid to various genres (drama, novels, poetry, short stories, essays) and media (paper, digital , film, audio)  The themes are illustrated by the analysis of representative works.

At the end of the course, students:

-will have acquired a broad knowledge of Dutch literary culture.
- will be able to explain the main developments in the history of Dutch-speaking literature of the contemporary period
- will be able to analyze current literary texts taking into account various contexts,  demonstrating critical thinking related to the discussed topic.
- will be able to track, report and process significant information from current literary developments with some critical background
- will be able to produce a coherent and relevant discourse on a given problem, and articulate it accurately and clearly in both written and spoken form, and thus communicate their  knowledge to peers.

Continuous assessment:
- Students must study all texts before class. For each group, bibliographical research and critical readings of scientific articles and discussion, in-depth analysis of the chosen literary texts and personal and original comments are expected from the students.

Certificative assessment :
- written exam
- personal analysis of a contemporary Dutch literary text among a list of texts. Oral presentation.

A dynamic and varied learning approach is used and, when possible, interactive lectures.

Introductory lecture.

In-depth reading of the chosen works. Texts are introduced in class and analyzed by the students in small groups, from the perspective of a given question. Students present the results of their analysis in interaction with other students and submit a written report to the teacher.

In the introduction, the course will investigate how Dutch-speaking literature is developing and responding to postnational realities and contemporary conditions. What are its particularities, key directions, actors, notable writers and works which give Dutch-speaking literature a high profile? And from the perspectives of which cultures and norm(s) does such a literary ensemble assume its value?

The course then examines in depth the creative texts of five authors from different cultures who are considered as significant in contemporary Dutch-speaking literature : Arnon Grunberg, Tom Lanoye, Peter Verhelst, Cees Nooteboom and Astrid Roemer.

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Support de cours : textes littéraires, articles scientifiques, manuels référenciés, hand-outs, powerpoint, documents multimédias