Literature in the Age of Globalization and Interculturalism.

Teacher(s)

Büssgen Antje;

Language

Deutsch

Prerequisites

Introduction to German literature and good knowledge of German (advanced level B2+ as defined in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).

Main themes

The problems stemming from European colonialism and the post-colonial debates and also the more recent problem of climate change and human responsibility for it are related to the processes mentioned above.
Reading contemporary literary texts based on themes of globalization and interculturality thereby requiring a brief theoretical introduction to these processes (globalization, intercultural dialog, climatic change, etc.) and in particular to their ethical and esthetical sides and to the role of the intellectual in society. The literary texts studied in this course (novels, plays, etc.) are therefore accompanied by theoretical and scientific texts (essays, studies) related to the respective subjects.

Learning outcomes

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :
1	Participants who complete this course successfully will be able to - read contemporary literary works which are based on the processes which mark our time in its economic, social, and cultural dimensions and which treat the challenges of our present and future: the globalization and creation of alliances of countries which co-operate economically and politically (Europe and the European Union, for example) and the interaction of different cultures within societies which are more and more subject to migration (intercultural dialog or clash?); - realize the importance of literary texts as the basis for the public discussion about these questions and of the self-image  of the author as an intellectual in modern society. The theme of the course is linked to the issues covered by the course of the BAC on the  civilizations of German speaking countries.

Content

The present is a time of great social transformations, with globalization and the process of European integration (EU), geopolitical shifts, migration movements, populism and the rise of anti-democratic parties. Life models and the identity concepts of Western societies, which are based on the history of European ideas, especially the Enlightenment, are challenged by these changes, and work on self-understanding is required. Fear, uncertainty and anger, but also activism, commitment and a new perspective on seemingly utopian alternative concepts, thrive in such times of crisis. For a good two decades, contemporary German-language literature has been reacting to the changes of late modernity with a wealth of literary productions. In the seminar we will read novels that deal in particular with the topics of Europe (EU), globalization and climate change. At the same time, studies by well-known sociologists (Reckwitz, Rosa, Nachtwey) will be used to relate the scientific analyses and the narratives of literature to one another. What tools do literature and literary studies provide to deal with the crises of the present, and what does sociology provide? Are the disciplines complementary? Does literature offer something that social science analysis cannot? What is its added value

Teaching methods

Evaluation methods

Active and regulated participation in the course and oral presentation: 40%. Personal work 60%.

Online resources

Program, bibliography and some texts in copy

Bibliography

Sera communiquéà la premiére séance  du cours / mise sur moodle.

Teaching materials

• cf. ressources en ligne et bibliographie.

Faculty or entity

> ELAL