Aims

The aim of this course is the thorough study of some parts of the Greek literature, from an esthetical or history of ideas point of view. The other objectives is to experience the diverse methods of how to analyse and approach texts.

Main themes

According to the subjects dealt with varying from one year to the other, the course implies the thorough study of one author on the one hand and the study of one theme through several centuries of literature on the other hand. Although it is an ex-cathedra course, students are more than invited to participate actively by preparing the translations and by giving some personal input when reflecting on the texts. This formative aspect will be largely taken into account when assessing the student.

Content and teaching methods

This course consists of 2 successive parts : the study of an author (most of the time a poet) and the study of a theme, illustrated with the history of the literature but also based on the study of texts, of the sources (original texts). The philological and technical analysis is present as it is compulsory for ancient/classical authors. But the humanist education point of view is prevalent : the important thing is to reflect on problems and questions as fundamental as the creation of poetry, the psychoanalysis of theatre, the phenomenology of the different literary expressions, the relationship literature-ideas, the links between aesthetics and ethics (in a broad sense), between the personal inspiration and the sociological context and so on…For all the points above and for the translations, the students' participation is requested.

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

Prerequisite : students are expected to be familiar with the Greek literature and language.
Evaluation : the student's personal input as far as reflection and research is concerned are of great importance.
Texts and books : numerous documents varying according to the themes and authors seen.

Other credits in programs