Exploring the modern European novel

Share responses to European modernist fiction in translation, exploring the new approaches characteristic of the early 20th century. Novels by Mann, Gide and Svevo will be studied, together with extracts from Proust, Joyce, and Kafka.

(average based on 1 review) » Write a review of this course

» View full course outline

Key course information

Dates
10/01/12 - 20/03/12

Day(s)
Tue

Duration
11 weeks

Time
19:40 - 21:40

Fees
Full fee: £115
Senior fee: £115
Concession: £33

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

» View location

Course code
HLT59

Availability
This course has finished

This course has finished

» Find another course in Humanities » Search all courses

Still got questions?
humanities@citylit.ac.uk or call 020 7492 2652

Course outline

What is the course about?

An exploration of the ways in which the European novel took new directions in the first few decades of last century. Clustered around the three chosen texts will be appropriate extracts from contemporaneous authors, providing context and deepening our understanding of this exciting period of change and transition.

What topics will we cover?

We shall read The Immoralist by André Gide (Penguin edition), Death in Venice by Thomas Mann (Vintage Classics) and As a Man Grows Older by Italo Svevo (New York Review Books Classics). Extracts from works by authors such as Proust, Joyce, Kafka and Bulgakov will also be considered. We shall concentrate especially on the presentation of individual consciousness in these fictions, as well as on their authors’ distinctive handling of style and technique. All works will be read in translation.

By the end of this course you should be able to:

Discuss and compare distinctive and characteristic features of European modernist fiction.
Show you appreciate how style and technique contribute to the meaning and impact of these works.
Demonstrate understanding of how the times and circumstances of these authors influenced the writing they produced.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

You will need an enthusiasm for reading and discussing a range of texts in large and small groups. You will be willing and able to read and prepare texts outside the class. You will interested in listening to – and learning from – the responses of other students to the works discussed. You will have a commitment to developing your analytical skills.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

Teacher explanation; group discussion. As indicated above, you will need to read and reflect on the novels and extracts scheduled for each class in advance.

The tutor
Peter Brennan is a poet, and was for many years Head of English at The Latymer School, Edmonton. He founded Visionary Company courses in 2005, and is Editor-in-Chief of Perdika Press.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

You will need to buy copies of the three novels to be studied - The Immoralist by André Gide (Penguin edition), Death in Venice by Thomas Mann (Vintage Classics) and As a Man Grows Older by Italo Svevo (New York Review Books Classics). These should be the editions specified.
Please bring a pen and paper.

Do I need to have an interview before I can enrol?

No.

What feedback will I get?

You will receive regular feedback from your tutor throughout the course, as and when appropriate. At the end of the course you and your tutor are asked to assess the progress you have made.

How will I be able to give my views on the course?

Please complete the evaluation form at the end of your course. These are monitored and help us to continually improve our courses.

How do I find out if I can get some support for my learning?

You may be interested in: education and careers advice; financial and childcare support; disability support; support for Deaf and hearing-impaired students; dyslexia support; English and maths support; counselling, and library services (supported learning centre). To find out what may be available to you, and how to apply, see page 213 of the 11/12 course guide, or visit www.citylit.ac.uk/students

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Information and Advice Shop, open Monday to Friday 12:00 – 19:00 during term time, and Monday to Friday 12:00 – 17:00 out of term time. See the course guide for term dates and further details.

Who can I contact for further information?

Tel: 020 7492 2652

humanities@citylit.ac.uk

Advice times:

During term-time Monday 12.30–13.30 and 17.30–18.30 Thursday 12.30–13.30 and 17.30–18.30

Non term-time Monday 17.30–18.30 Thursday 12.30–13.30.

To enrol on a course, call 020 7831 7831.