Dutch literature: modernism, postmodernism, late postmodernism

Teacher(s)

Sergier Matthieu (compensates Vanasten Stéphanie); Vanasten Stéphanie;

Language

Dutch

Prerequisites

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

Main themes

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.

Aims

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :
1	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.

The contribution of this Teaching Unit to the development and command of the skills and learning outcomes of the programme(s) can be accessed at the end of this sheet, in the section entitled “Programmes/courses offering this Teaching Unit”.

Content

Due to the globalization of cultural exchanges and the increase in migratory flows, the (late) post-modern literary productions are less and less emerging as monolingual objects. Rather, they should be considered from the point of view of the 'heterolingual' relationship they maintain with their readers, since they frequently challenge the reader with the 'other' languages they contain.

This course proposes to study the period of late post-modernism, starting from its heterolingual literary productions. How can we read these texts which testify to the globalization that shapes our daily life ? What challenges do they introduce to reading? What analysis strategies should we deploy? And last but not least: what lessons can we learn in terms of hosting the other (language)?

Teaching methods

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.

Evaluation methods

Continuous assessment. Active participation in the course or seminar (oral presentation, discussions and workshops) is required : 20 %. If you do not attend the course, you lose 20% of your final mark.
Group presentation of an original analysis + discussion with the other students and teacher : 30 %.
Essay based on the presentation : 40 %.
Oral examen based on the essay: 10%.

The second registration for the examination involves the delivery of a second version of the essay and your presence at the oral examination. Grades for continuous assessment and oral presentation remain unchanged.

Other information

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

Bibliography

- Henk van Woerden, Moenie kyk nie (1993)
- Pol Hoste, De lucht naar Mirabel. Carnet (1999)
- Marleen de Crée & Marc Dugardin, Over en weer (2010)
- Koen Peeters, Duizend heuvels (2012)
- Charles Ducal, Bewoond door iets groters (2015)

Faculty or entity

LMOD