Comparative Literature from 1500 to 1800

This course provides an introduction to several of the artistically most vital and colourful periods in the cultural history of Europe, such as the Renaissance, the Baroque, Classicism, and the Enlightenment.

Students will be introduced to Shakespeare's Hamlet, Cervantes' Don Quixote, Molière's Tartuffe, Racine's Phedra, Prévost's Manon Lescaut and Goethe's Faust.

A representative selection of the poetry from this period, together with theories on the art of poetics, will form the basis for an inter-aesthetic understanding of the periods included in the course. Concurrently the course will draw relevant parallels to other art forms within a broader historical, philosophical, and social context.

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

- is familiar with the outlines of Western literature during the literary periods in the time span between 1500 and 1800

- 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 within a social context

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

- can present and discuss their acquired knowledge in writing

Lectures and group studies including written assignments.

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

Course requirements:

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