Aims

Knowledge of German Romanticism. The student will be able to understand and analyse romantic literary texts as aesthetic documents of their time.

Main themes

This course is devoted to German Romanticism (literature and painting). The following themes will be examined through the analysis of literary texts: the main genres of the movement ("fragments," lyrical poetry, literary tale…); some of its great myths (the Golden Age, the Fall, Lorelei and her sisters etc.) and symbols (water, the flower, the child, the language of nature, etc.…) as well as the vital importance of creative imagination. The principal figures of the movement will be presented through the texts analysed.

Content and teaching methods

Following a survey of the main characteristics of German Romanticism, particular attention will be devoted to the survival of the Romantic heritage in 20th century literature : the so-called neuromantische poetry of the beginning of this century; the enlargement of traditional Realism between the two World Wars, notably through the concept of "Magical Realism" (in literary prose and certain philosophical essays), which combines a strict observation of reality with the integration of irrational elements in it; possibly the treatment of some contemporary works in the same perspective. A bibliographical list of primary and secondary works will be communicated to the students in time.

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

Evaluation : Exam. The student can also present a written paper.

Other credits in programs