Globalization as Shown in Contemporary Literature and Film 3302-GLiF-OG

According to many authors, contemporary writers have no choice but to embrace criticism, understood as a critique of both reality and modern literature. They must engage with crucial social issues and explore various dimensions of globalization, including economic and political crises, migration, cultural impacts, and the problematic nature of identity in a world driven by technological advancement and mass media. They also highlight a growing sense of vulnerability stemming from long-standing conflicts, unemployment, or climate change. Some depict the evolving metropolis, where historical buildings are increasingly replaced by modern shopping malls. This seminar examines how globalization impacts individuals and the society, drawing on examples from contemporary literature and film (excerpts from novels, short stories, and essays, including audiobooks).

Course coordinators

Ewa Wojno-Owczarska

Type of course

general courses

Mode

Remote learning

Prerequisites (description)

The aim of this course is reflection on the results of globalization for societies and indivuduals. In our era of global media, literature and film act as tools for sensitizing readers and encouraging them to reflect on the reality that surrounds us. They not only depict events and complex, global-scale processes, but also anticipate what is yet to come. Furthermore, they point to the negative consequences of globalization, including the erosion of national traditions and cultural homogenization [homodżenajzejszyn], while the perceived benefits of globalization [globelajzejszyn], such as the free movement of people, have proven to be illusory.

Learning outcomes

- Students are able to analyse and to compare literary texts and films.
- They know examples of texts and films which underline the negative results of globalization.
- They are able to use the methods of comparative studies.
- They know the main theoretical works in such fields as aesthetics, intermediality and the history of literature.

Assessment criteria

1) regular participation every second week - presenations and streaming (google meet)
2) online exercises (google classroom)
2) test (evaluated, google classroom).

Bibliography

Andrews, Helen: Boomers. The Men and Women Who Promised Freedom and Delivered Disaster. New York 2021.
Atwood, Margaret: Burning Questions. New York 2022.
Beck, Ulrich: What is Globalization? Cambridge 2000.
Davis, Mike: Planet of Slums. London/New York 2006.
Franzen, Jonathan: How to Be Alone. New York 2002.
Hancox, Dan: No Logo at 20: have we lost the battle against the total branding of our lives? In: The Guardian, 11.08.2019, https://www.theguardian.com/books/2019/aug/11/no-logo-naomi-klein-20-years-on-interview
Händler, Ernst-Wilhelm: Wenn wir sterben. Frankfurt am Main 2002.
Jelinek, Elfriede: The Merchant's Contracts. In: Jelinek, Elfriede: Three Plays [translated by Gitta Honegger]. London 2019, pp. 195-314.
Klein, Naomi: No Logo. New York 2000.
Menasse, Robert: The Capital. New York 2019.
McEwan, Evan: Between Books. London/New York 2027.
Röggla, Kathrin: factions. In: Berlin Tales. Stories translated by Lyn Marven. Edited by Helen Constantine. Oxford 2009, pp. 193-202.
Röggla, Kathrin: wir schlafen nicht [We Never Sleep]. Frankfurt am Main 2004.
Shafak, Elif: How to Stay Sane in an Age of Division. London 2020.
- A selection of films, excerpts from broadcasts, and audiobooks.

Additional information

Information on level of this course, year of study and semester when the course unit is delivered, types and amount of class hours - can be found in course structure diagrams of apropriate study programmes. This course is related to the following study programmes: