Comparative Literature from Antiquity to 1500

This course will provide students with a basic introduction to Western literature from Antiquity to the Renaissance.

The course includes many of the classic works of the period, like Homer's Odyssey, Sophocles' Oedipus the King, Sappho's love poetry, Vergil's Aenid, biblical texts, Dante's Divine Comedy, and Boccaccio's Decameron.

The instruction will include the origins, development, and poetics of the classic genres in an aesthetic, historic and cultural framework, and show how this literature provides keys to understanding both literature and other contemporary forms of culture.

The last part of the course concerns the Italian Renaissance of the 14th and 15th century, which forms the starting point of the modern literary tradition.

The candidate will have obtained the following qualifications after successfully completing this course:

- is familiar with the outlines of Western literature from the Antiquity till 1500

- has specialised knowledge of essential literary works within the genres epic poetry, lyric poetry and drama, as well as general knowledge of the origin, development and poetics witin the genres

- understands literature in an extensive aesthetic, historical and cultural connection

- has a basic understanding of the main literary genre's function

- has knowledge of and has the ability to employ comparative literary analytical tools

- can provide an oral presentation and discussion of their acquired knowledge

Lectures and group studies including written assignments.

The course is taught intensively for 6 weeks, from August to October.

Course requirements:

1-2 compulsory activities including at least one approved written assignment (4-5 pages) with feedback.