Literary History 2: Early Modern Literature

Course goals

-       The student gains knowledge of and insight in the relationship between humans, society and literature in the Early Modern Period;
-       The student is able to read older texts and is able to place them in their historical context and use elementary narratological and other literary concepts in the analysis of early modern texts;
-       The student is able to collaborate in a professional way with peers in preparing a to-the-point, understandable and interesting oral presentation.

Content

This course discusses historical literature from the Renaissance up to and including the Enlightenment. The aim is to understand the societal impact of literature, the dominant literary ideas and movements, as well as how literature provides insight in the relationship between human beings and the world they live in. We focus on a number of core texts from European literary history. The printed book changes the status and transmission of literary texts profoundly. We will read a diverse set of key texts, of different styles and genres. An epic tale may reveal how people claimed the past, whereas a romance may show its audience an example to follow and a play may present ideas about current discussions in society at the time.

Additional information

This course has priority rules and a waiting list. Your enrolment is guaranteed if you are:

• a student in the BA Literary Studies.

In all other situations, you will be placed on a waiting list if you enrol in this course. For any remaining slots in the course, lots are drawn among the students on the waiting list.  
 

This course is equivalent to:
Eurolit 2: Early Modern Period (LI1V17002)

If you have already completed this course, you may not take Literary History 2 due to too much overlap in content.