Literary and narrative theories

Duration

30h Th

Number of credits

Lecturer

Vera Viehöver

Language(s) of instruction

French language

Organisation and examination

Teaching in the first semester, review in January

Schedule

Schedule online

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Learning unit contents

The course offers a general introduction to literary and narrative theories, emphasising the relationship between theory and the analysis of selected literary texts.

Contents:

What is theory, and what is it for?

Hermeneutics and the critique of hermeneutics

From biographism to the 'death of the author'

Theories of reception and reading

Structuralism, poststructuralism, deconstruction

Psychoanalysis

 

Learning outcomes of the learning unit

Provide students with a basic understanding of the various trends and theoretical approaches in literary studies.
Develop students' critical thinking skills.
Prepare students to engage with theoretical texts independently.
Encourage students to apply theories in their analysis of literary texts.

Prerequisite knowledge and skills

A sufficient command of French.

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

The course combines primarily lecture-based sessions with opportunities for discussion and interaction. Some sessions will focus on the joint reading and discussion of selected theoretical and literary texts.

Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)

Face-to-face course


Further information:

Duration and period: 30h of theory


Teaching and learning methods: Lectures, supported by PowerPoint presentations and video excerpts from interviews, combined with critical readings of selected texts.

Course materials and recommended or required readings

Platform(s) used for course materials:
- eCampus
- MyULiège


Further information:

PowerPoint presentations and theoretical texts will be made available on eCampus.

Literary texts should be read in an edition of the student's choice, either in French or in the original language:

• Franz Kafka, Vor dem Gesetz (Before the Law) and Die Sorge des Hausvaters (The Cares of a Family Man) - French translations available on eCampus
• Samanta Schweblin, Siete casas vacías (Seven Empty Houses) (idem)
• Paul Celan, Die Niemandsrose (The No-One's Rose) (idem)
• Edgar Allan Poe, The Fall of the House of Usher

Exam(s) in session

Any session

- In-person

written exam ( open-ended questions )

Written work / report

Continuous assessment


Further information:

Written assignment of 3 pages (20% of the final grade)

Written exam during the January examination period. A sample exam will be made available to students (80% of the final grade).

For certain specific tasks, the use of artificial intelligence may be permitted with the prior agreement of the instructor. Any other use is prohibited and must, where applicable, be declared. The use of AI is strictly prohibited in examinations, including the three-page written assignment to be written at home.

Work placement(s)

Organisational remarks and main changes to the course

The course starts on 16 September

The session on 4 November will take the form of a flipped classroom.

Contacts

Vera VIEHÖVER, Professor of German Literature
Dept. of Modern Languages
3, Place Cockerill, B-4000 Liège

E-mail : vera.viehover@uliege.be

Secrétariat: Martine DELAVIGNETTE

E-mail: martine.delavignette@uliege.be

Association of one or more MOOCs