Modern Languages and Cultures

The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title FAIRYTALES AND FEAR: THE FANTASTIC IN LITERATURE
Code GRMN316
Coordinator Dr L Marven
Modern Languages and Cultures
L.Marven@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2019-20 Level 6 FHEQ Second Semester 15

Pre-requisites before taking this module (other modules and/or general educational/academic requirements):

 

Modules for which this module is a pre-requisite:

 

Co-requisite modules:

 

Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 2

20

        22
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 128
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
             
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Essay 1 There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment.  -3000 words    50       
Essay 2 There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment.  -3000 words    50       

Aims

This module seeks to introduce students to the genre of the fantastic in German literature, focusing on two areas: fairytales in the Grimm’s Märchen and contemporary Romanticism (Tieck, Hoffmann), and poetic as well as psychological realism (Schnitzler, Storm, von Droste-Hulshoff);

It will familiarise students with key theories of the genre, with a particular emphasis on Todorov’s theory of the fantastic, and Freud’s reading of Der Sandmann and develop students’ skills in textual interpretation through close reading.


Learning Outcomes

(LO1) Students will demonstrate an understanding of the literary genre of the fantastic and the psychological notion of the uncanny.

(LO2) Students will have enhanced their critical reading skills of narrative prose from a range of historical periods, and of theoretical texts and secondary literature.

(LO3) Students will be able to apply theoretical concepts to literary texts and assess the merits of competing interpretations.

(S1) Communication, listening and questioning respecting others, contributing to discussions, communicating in a foreign language, influencing, presentations

(S2) Literacy application of literacy, ability to produce clear, structured written work and oral literacy - including listening and questioning

(S3) Problem solving/ critical thinking/ creativity analysing facts and situations and applying creative thinking to develop appropriate solutions.

(S4) Research management developing a research strategy, project planning and delivery, risk management, formulating questions, selecting literature, using primary/secondary/diverse sources, collecting & using data, applying research methods, applying ethics

(S5) Global perspectives demonstrate international perspectives as professionals/citizens; locate, discuss, analyse, evaluate information from international sources; consider issues from a variety of cultural perspectives, consider ethical and social responsibility issues in international settings; value diversity of language and culture


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
Description: Two introductory lectures set out key theories of the fantastic
Attendance Recorded: Yes

Teaching Method 2 - Seminar
Description: Seminars will be a mix of whole-group and small-group discussion, based upon contextual, thematic and stylistic analyses of the set texts. Students are expected to prepare fully for the seminars and will be expected to make substantial oral contributions to discussions.
Attendance Recorded: Yes


Syllabus

 

Topics covered during the module may include:

Theories of the unreal, including Todorov, Freud ‘Das Unheimliche’;

The Grimms and romanticism;

The Grimms’ Märchen;

Tieck, Der blonde Eckbert;

ETA Hoffmann, Der Sandmann;

Poetic realism and storm, Der Schimmelreiter;

Die Judenbuche;

Schnitzler and psychological realism;

Traumnovelle;

Narrative form; themes and motifs; essay planning.


Recommended Texts

Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.