Aims

Students should be able to identify the specific characteristics of the major literary movements and to situate them in their proper socio-cultural contexts. Students should also know the major writers and works of a particular period and have read and analysed some of these.

Main themes

The course covers the history of Dutch literature from 1700 to 1945. It provides a survey of the different movements and literary genres adopted by writers while situating them in their proper socio-cultural contexts. Major writers and literary works are examined.

Content and teaching methods

The course covers the history of Dutch literature from 1700 to 1940. It is planned out with the spirit of GERM 1136 in mind, course of which it is the extension The 18th century is approached rather generally, as it is a period of relative decadence after the "Golden Century." After this century, the different literary movements of the XIXth century and the first half of the XXth century are examined: Romanticism, Realism, 'Theological Modernism', Impressionism, the Eighties' Movement, Naturalism, the 'Van Nu en Straks' Movement, Idealism, Expressionism, Vitalism. Major writers and literary works are examined.
The method consists in ex cathedra lectures during which students are invited to answer questions based on their assumed general knowledge. Students are also required to read one theoretical work which will help them to develop one aspect of the course.
In order to give concrete expression to theory students are required to read and analyse some novels, plays and poems by themselves using the method developed during GERM 1236. The course is also illustrated in a more lively way during the tutorial sessions (among other things, through audio-visual documents).

Other information (prerequisite, evaluation (assessment methods), course materials recommended readings, ...)

Prerequisites : GERM 1136.



Evaluation : Oral exam on the main orientations of the course and on a few authors and their works. Assessment of the personal readings by the assistant.

Teaching materials : Course notes including the main ideas of the course as well as author names and the titles of their works is available.


COURSE HOLDER/COURSE SUPERVISION :15 tutorial hours and availability of assistant 1h/week.

Other credits in programs