Civilisation of the German-speaking countries : cultural aspects [ LGERM1315 ]

A good knowledge of German, both spoken and written.

The course studies the major cultural, artistic and political trends and developments in the European countries that have German, English or Dutch as a principal language (intellectual life, visual arts, music, architecture, etc.).

General survey of the cultural developments of the German-/ English-/ Dutch-speaking countries. By the end of the course, students are expected to have acquired an understanding of the culture of the European countries where German/ English/ Dutch is a major language.

Assessment: oral or written exam based on both the lectures and required reading

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The course will study the specificities of the German cultural space since the 18^th century. A global approach will be favoured, taking philosophy and literature into account, as well as the relations between culture, politics and society, especially painting and cinema for contemporary times. European contextualization is part of the purpose and the comparative method, notably with respect to the French- and English-speaking cultural spaces, will help as guiding principle.

This year we shall concentrate on the question of "realism", under its plural historical modalities and in its current manifestations, among others the phenomenon of "popular realism" in the media. Via critical and intellectual foundational texts, we shall establish links between the mimesis tradition, Realism as artistic and literary period in the 19^th century and the still updated intention of searching a "reliable and comprehensive" representation of reality.

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Study aids: reading list, text syllabus; excursion of one day.