American literature and its Environments

Teacher(s)

Bragard Véronique;

Language

English

Prerequisites

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

Main themes

The course traces the evolution of a particular theme in twentieth-century English literature. Through analyses of works taken from various historical and aesthetic contexts, students explore what kind of role the chosen theme(s) play in the modern imagination. The course also includes the showing and discussion of adaptations for film and television.

Learning outcomes

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :
1	- Students will be expected to show their ability to relate the themes that have been selected to the historical and literary contexts explored in the course. - They will have to produce an analysis that demonstrates their familiarity with the issues raised in the course, and with the poetics through which those issues are articulated. - The course is also indirectly meant to increase the students' lexical skills. Their analyses will therefore have to reflect a command of the English language that corresponds to their level (Masters), as well as a good grasp of the various cultural concepts discussed in the course.

Content

In an age of ecological crisis and acceleration, new mobilities and ways of connecting with others/the world seem more necessary than ever. In an attempt to adopt an earth-centered perspective, we will read American/Canadian (graphic) novels that help experience forms of what Harmut Rosa calls resonance, relational modes that involve affect, openness, transformation but also unpredictability. We will I explore aesthetics of slowness in more corporeal research practices related to the senses, natural elements (forest, water, plants), as well as activities that help us connect: walking, swimming, storying. How can forms of literature (poetry, comics, non-fiction, slow cinema) convey mobility as well as the haptic or the sonic and open up new ways of relating to meet the world and be transformed by it? How might walking and walking the page, for instance, facilitate embodied ways of understanding place and place-making?  Students will receive a reader with (non)-fiction (Jessica Lee, Anik See, Luke Healey, Rick Bass, ao) and theoretical articles (Samantha Walton, Harmut Rosa, Lutz Koepnick). Several sessions will take place outside the classroom and investigate concrete methodologies to explore new ways to relate to the environment and ultimately the crisis we are facing. 

Teaching methods

Interactive lectures. This course includes references to several cinematic productions.

Evaluation methods

Students will prepare readings and write a final paper. Oral exam.

Teaching materials

• syllabus disponible à la DUC

Faculty or entity

ELAL