Module Identifier EL10920  
Module Title IMAGES OF EUROPE: THE EUROPEAN IMAGINATION  
Academic Year 2004/2005  
Co-ordinator Dr Andrew J Hussey  
Semester Semester 2 (Taught over 2 semesters)  
Other staff , Dr Gregory M Moore, Dr Heather M Williams, Professor Robert G Havard  
Assessment
Assessment TypeAssessment Length/DetailsProportion
Semester Exam2 Hours two exam questions  60%
Semester Assessment 1500 word essay  20%
Semester Assessment 1500 word essay  20%
Supplementary Exam 1 x 2-hour examination if continuous assessment submitted. 1 x 3-hour examination if no continuous assessment submitted.   
Supplementary Exam 1 x 2 hour examination if continuous assessment submitted. 1 x 3-hour examination if no continuous assessment submitted.  100%

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
- Situate debates on the issues of representation across diverse forms of narrative
- Articulate and show awareness of these debates in relation to the notion of 'Europe'
- Have an understanding of how specific European identities have been constructed in literary, political and aesthetic terms
- Demonstrate a grasp of the relationship between form and content in specific European contexts

Brief description

The aim of this course is to examine the construction of a specifically 'European' identity in each country and to consider to what extent these identities compare and contrast with each other. The objectives are to provide a broad understanding of the history and present meaning of the word 'European', and to identify cultural and political nuances across diverse forms of narrative. Specific issues which will be raised are the representation of the European city (Paris), European and non-European identities (with reference to German literature and the writings of Michel Houellebecq) and the experience of European war (Spain).

In the focused context of seminar work, students will be able to discuss issues with detailed reference to specific European cultures. Students will acquire a variety of critical approaches, and develop an informed awareness of the possibilities available to them as readers and critics. Thematically organised lectures provide a frame of reference on which students will draw in their close readings in seminars.

The module will be open to students outside the Department and presupposes no linguistic competence. The module is deliberately 'thin' in order to allow students, over the duration of the module, to assimilate the ideas concerend and to deepen their understanding of the general themes.

Content

LIST OF TOPICS/LECTURES

Introduction: 2 lectures, one seminar, weeks 1-2

Europe and France: 4 lectures, one seminar, weeks 3-6

Germany and Europe: 5 lectures, one seminar, weeks 7-11

Europe and Spain: 5 lectures, one seminar, weeks 12-16

Europe and its Others: 4 lectures, on seminar, weeks 17-20

Conclusion: 2 lectures, one seminar

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 4