FRM0130 - PATHS TO THE ABSOLUTE: FROM SYMBOLISM TO SURREALISM

Module Identifier	FRM0130
Module Title	PATHS TO THE ABSOLUTE: FROM SYMBOLISM TO SURREALISM
Academic Year	2001/2002
Co-ordinator	Dr Andrew Hussey
Semester	Semester 1
Assessment	Essay	essay and commentary on a set text essay 2,500 and commentary 1,500 words	40%
	Exam	3 Hours	60%

Aims

The aims of this module are to trace and consider the development of poetic theory and practice from the mid nineteenth century to the early twentieth century. These developments will be with specific reference to French poets concerned with the study of the crisis in representational language (Baudelaire, Mallarme) and the poetic object (Breton, Bataille), two themes which exerted considerable influence on twentieth century literary theory.

Learning outcomes

The close attention to poetic language will provide a basis for subsequent study of twentieth-century literature and literary theory.

On completion of this module students will be able to:

articulate and understand the historical and philosophical context of debates around modernism
describe nineteenth century perspectives of modernism
explain relevant critical arguments developed in the avant-gardes in the early part of the twentieth century
offer reasoned critical analysis of primary texts, demonstrating independendent of thought
use secondary literature with an appropriate level of sophistication
demonstrate analytical skills at an appropriate level
read critically, with a sensitivity to language or `textuality?
demonstrate a sophisticated grasp of the relationship between form and content

Those students who wish to go on with their studies should be able to demonstrate that they have a solid foundation for postgraduate research

Content

Lecture/ Seminar list

Week 1: Paths to the Absolute: an introduction (lecture)

Week 2: The historical context 1857-1898 (lecture and seminar)

Week 3: Poetry and the City: Baudelaire (lecture and seminar)

Week 4: Case study: `Tableaux parisiens? (two seminars)

Week 5: The crisis of metaphysical language: Mallarme (lecture and seminar)

Week 6: Case study: `Prose (pour des Esseintes)? (two seminars)

Week 7: The historical context 1900-1927 (lecture)

Week 8: Symbolism to Surrealism: Andre Breton (lecture and seminar)

Week 9: Case study: `L'union libre? and extracts from the `Deuxieme manifeste du surrealisme? (seminar)

Week 10: The inner scar: Georges Bataille (lecture and seminar)

Week 11: Case study: `Tempete des flames? and `L'experience interieure? (two seminars)

Week 12: Conclusions (seminar)