Contemporary British Prose and Poetry in the Context of Medieval and Early Modern Literary Traditions - MA Seminar 1 3301-LBS1BBŁ05
In the context of contemporary literature, the seminar will explore those aspects of contemporary British literature which most directly constitute a continuation of the medieval and renaissance traditions which have helped to forge, and continue to define, the European cultural heritage. In the specific context of literature this means devoting particular attention to the tradition of the genres of fantasy and science fiction from the classic texts of the Inklings, J. R. R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis up to a wide range of contemporary speculative literature which has its roots in this kind of cultural context.
Specifically the seminar focuses on such literary genres as high (heroic) fantasy, urban fantasy, Slavic fantasy, alternative history novel, as well as contemporary reformulations of the chivalric romance, the folk and fairy tale, the beast fable, the folk ballad, and also the relevant selection of contemporary poetry. The list of authors discussed in the course of the seminar includes J. R. R. Tolkien, C. S. Lewis, Susanna Clarke, Terry Pratchett, Neil Gaiman, Brian Jaques, Naomi Novik, George R. R. Martin.
Also projects which focus on film adaptations and independent productions related to this sort of literature (Star Wars, Westword, Night Sky, Constellation), may be pursued in the seminar. Other research project which will be very comfortably accommodated within the scope of the seminar are the ones concerning the mock-heroic and comic tradition in various forms of artistic expression (Monty Python and the tradition of British comedy, The Hitchhikers' Guide to the Galaxy, Blackadder or Red Dwarf).
Among other possible MA research ideas very welcome are also those concerned with the tradition of orality and the methodology of oral-formulaic studies as well as ones exploring the links between literature and music (especially during the XIV -XVII c. And the 1960s/1970s) or analyzing any of the social-cultural aspects of the 1960s, especially the musical tradition.
Type of course
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
Knowledge
The graduate has in-depth familiarity with: - K_W01 advanced terminology, theory and research methods corresponding to the state of the art
in the disciplines of literary studies, in particular preparing an MA project concerning contemporary British prose and poetry in the context of medieval and early modern literary traditions
in accordance with their chosen
specialization (and educational path) - K_W04 concepts and principles concerning the protection of intellectual property and copyright
Abilities
The graduate is able to: - K_U01 apply the advanced terminology, theories and research methods of literary studies, in particular concerning contemporary British prose and poetry in the context of medieval and early modern literary traditions, and to solve complex and original research problems in accordance with
his/her chosen specialization (and educational path) - K_U04 apply the concepts and principles of intellectual property protection and copyright law
Social competences
The graduate is ready to: - K_K01 critically appraise their knowledge and content obtained from various sources, in particular concerning contemporary British prose and poetry in the context of medieval and early modern literary traditions
K_K02 recognize the importance of knowledge in solving cognitive and practical problems; consult experts when required
Assessment criteria
To pass the course, apart from the standard requirement of attendance and participation in the classes the student have to fulfil requirements agreed upon at the beginning of each semester (semester I: the completion and the supervisor's approval of the reseach proposal; semester II: one thesis chapter approved as ready; semester III: the second chapter approved as ready; semester IV: completion of the whole MA thesis).
Absences allowed: 3.
Practical placement
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Additional information
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