SLL10070 Reading European Literatures

Academic Year 2023/2024

What exactly is meant by the baroque? By Romanticism? By postmodernism? What do we mean by classical tragedy, surrealist poetry, existentialist drama?

The aim of this module is to introduce students to a number of key literary and aesthetic movements which have marked and shaped European culture from the Renaissance to today, and to examine the key thematic and stylistic features which characterized these movements, situated in their respective historical and political contexts. Emphasis will be on the literatures of continental Europe to compliment and enhance students' understanding of the languages and cultures of the BAIML programme.

Given the limits of the trimester, it will by necessity be selective rather than exhaustive, and will include an introduction to key writers and ideas associated with some of the following: humanism, the baroque, classicism, the Enlightenment, Romanticism, realism, modernism, avant-garde, surrealism, the literature of political engagement, existentialism, postmodernism.

In addition to developing an understanding of literary history in its traditional sense, the module will examine the limitations of such broad designations, will aim to nuance notions of periodisation, and to problematize the highly contested notion of a canon.

Central to the module is the textual close-reading which will be done in small-group seminars. In assessments, BAIML students may be expected to demonstrate engagement with the source material in the language they are studying.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

Develop an understanding of the characteristics of key European literary movements;
Develop an ability to analyse literary texts through close-reading in the vernacular;
Examine the role of literature in both reflecting and shaping societal change;
Develop an awareness of the transnational dimension of certain movements;
Develop essay-writing and critical analysis skills.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

10
Seminar (or Webinar)

10
Specified Learning Activities

36
Autonomous Student Learning

54
Total

110
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
This module will be taught in two weekly classes. Sessions will include short presentations by the lecturer, small group activities and group discussions. Students will be asked to prepare reading and short tasks in advance of classes.

Much of the learning and assessment in this module will take place in small groups. Active participation and physical attendance at all attendance is mandatory.
. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Assignment: Graded assignment. Unspecified n/a Graded No

30
Assignment: Graded assignment Unspecified n/a Graded No

35
Assignment: Graded assignment. Unspecified n/a Graded No

35

Carry forward of passed components
No
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Students will receive individual feedback on the critical commentary and group feedback on the final presentations.

Name Role
Assoc Professor Derval Conroy Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Eric Haywood Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Assoc Professor Douglas Smith Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
 
Autumn
      
Seminar Offering 1 Week(s) - Autumn: Weeks 2-12 Mon 15:00 - 15:50
Seminar Offering 1 Week(s) - Autumn: Weeks 2-12 Wed 15:00 - 15:50
Autumn