Understand the evolution of English literature in its various linguistic, political, social... contexts. Develop a sensitivity to the complexity of literature (genres, media, ideology, reception, etc.). Acquire the technical vocabulary of literary studies. Construct the foundations of a sound cultural literacy and literary erudition. Improve the student's knowledge of the English language in a wide range of uses, stylistic and historical variants, and help them to achieve level B1 (ELP).
See "Acquis".
The course traces the evolution of English literature from its Anglo-Saxon origins to the Restoration (1660), aiming to understand it in its multiple historical contexts. The material is divided into three chapters: the Anglo-Saxon Period (including Beowulf), the Middle English Period (including Chaucer's Canterbury Tales), and the Renaissance (including Shakespeare). Several poems and excerpts are used for illustration.
Introduction (1): space - Introduction (2): time - Introduction (3): what came before
(1) 400-1066: Old English Literature
(2) 1066-1485: Middle English Literature
(3) The Renaissance
For students in Germanic languages and literatures: oral exam (20 minutes, in English, question sheet drawn at random, preparation time 20 minutes).
For other students: written examination (no open book).
Detailed information on both exams (including a model of the question sheet) will be posted on WebCampus.
Dirk Delabastita, A Map of English Literature I (lecture notes University of Namur, new edition 2021).
No specific readings beyond this handbook are required, but students are encouraged to consult the Internet for extra background and to enhance their personal understanding.