Aims

The student should be able to distinguish the different literary developments in the second half of the 20th century. He should be acquainted with the novelists and authors of short novels from 1945 to the present, and be able to follow the contemporary literary tendencies with some critical background.

Main themes

The course focuses on the development of the novel genre from 1945 to the present and is illustrated by the analysis of some representative works.

Content and teaching methods

The course covers essentially the history of Dutch novel from 1945 to nowadays. It is divided into different chapters : the 'traditional' novel, magical realism, the existentialist novel, the 'nouveau roman', realist prose from the seventies, the 'De Revisor' movement, the genealogical and autobiographical novel, and postmodernism.

Introductions to the different literary movements are presented 'ex cathedra'. A coursebook will help the students to approach the material. The movements are then illustrated with a detailed study of representative works. Small groups prepare and present their analysis to the class. Interaction is encouraged. All the texts are read and prepared at home by the students. The students who prepare the analysis give a written report to the teacher.

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

Prerequisites : Having successfully followed the courses about the history of Dutch literature, taught in the candidature.

Evaluation :Written examination on the studied texts. Oral examination, starting from a personal reading. Oral presentation, written reports and participation are taken into account.

Teaching materials : Coursebook with the main ideas of the theoretical introduction, as well as the names of the authors and the titles of their works.


COURSE HOLDER/COURSE SUPERVISION : Preparation of the analysis in small groups with the teacher.

Other credits in programs