History of Lithuanian Literature to 1918

obligatory courses

Cultural anthropology 3020-BA1AKU
History of the Baltic Countries 3020-BA1HKN
Sources of the Lithuanian Tradition 3020-BA1ZTL

Lithuanian: basic level

Classroom

The aim of the conversation course is to acquaint the students with the major problems in the history of Lithuanian literature from the beginnings of writings until 1918, the most prominent literary figures marking the successive periods and the most representative works of Lithuanian literature before 1918. Thematically the course interrelates with other courses from the curriculum in Baltic Phililogy, viz. Cultural Anthropology, History of Philosophy, History of the Baltic Countries, Sources of the Lithuanian Tradition.

The aim of the course is to acquaint the students with the history of Lithuanian literature from the beginnings to 1918. The following topics are dealt with:

a) the basic issues in the assessment of modern Lithuanian literature as a stage in the development of Lithuanian literature (popular literature as a source and testimony of the Lithuanian cultural tradition; literary texts from the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, the literature of the Renaissance, Baroque and Enlightenment; the beginnings of Lithuanian literature; the cultural and literary situation in Lithuania Minor, literary texts from this region; the bilingual character of Lithuanian literature up to the late 19th century; contexts: the formation of cultural and political identity and national myths, the national revival movement, extra-literary factors in the 19th century: the ban on the use of Lithuanian in speech and writing, the clandestine distribution of Lithuanian printings, women’s emancipation, the fight for social justice and ethnic rights, the proletarian movement, modernist ideas);

b) prominent figures in the history of Lithuanian literature from the beginnings to 1918;

c) discussion of the most representative literary works before 1918.

The students will be encouraged to work in groups, developing their skills in interpreting literary texts with the aid of the familiar strategies of literary criticism. The participants in the conversation course get acquainted with the basic (classical) and newer studies in the domain covered by the course, and use these as a reference framework in discussing, in written form, a problem of topic from the history of Lithuanian literature.

Estimated overall number of hours which the student must devote to achieve the teaching outcomes as defined for the course:

conversation course = 30 hours,

unguided preparation for classes and preparation of course paper = 30 hours,

preparation for final examination = 60 hours.

In all = 120 hours.

1. General characteristic of early literacy in Lithuania – the writing tradition in Old Russian in the Grand Duchy (chronicles, Lithuanian Statutes). Latin writings in the Grand Duchy (M. Lituanus, M. Hussovianus, J. Radvanus).

M. Stryjkowski, Kronika polska, litewska, żmódzka i wszystkiéj Rusi Macieja Stryjkowskiego [in:] „Litwo, nasza matko miła ...”: antologia literatury o Litwie, introduced, selected and edited by R. Koženiauskienė, M. Niedźwiecka, A. Kalėda; with a preface by E. Ulčinaitė, Vilnius: Lietuvių rašytojų sąjungos leidykla, 1996. [fragment]

2. Old Lithuanian writings in Lithuanian – general characteristic, periodisation, historical and social context, correspondence of the Lithuanian rulers: Mendog, Gediminas, Vytautas.

3. Reformation and Renaissance – protestantism in Lithuania and Old Prussia (A. Kulvietis, S. Rapolionis, V. Agripa, the printing house of M. Radziwiłł the Black).

4. First Lithuanian printings (M. Mažvydas Catechismusa prasty szadei). Other writers of 16th century literature:

P. Gradauskas/ P. Gradowski, E. Piligrimovijus/

E. Pielgrzymowski, A. Rimša/ A. Rymsza.

M. Mažvydas, Knygelės pačios bylo lietuvininkump ir žemaičiump, [in:] Katekizmas, ed. B. Stundžia, R. Šepetytė, Vilnius: Baltos lankos, 1997.

5. Religious literature in Lithuania: Bible translations, postils, collections of sermons, the role of Kiejdany as a cultural centre (M. Daukša’s Postilla Catholica, the writings of the Lithuanian Calvinists (M. Pietkiewicz Polski z Litewskim katechism, hymnals, J. Morkūnas (J. Markowicz)) and Lutherans (hymnals, J. Bretkūnas’ Postilla).

M. Dauksza, Przedmowa do czytelnika łaskawego, [in:] „Litwo, nasza matko miła ...”: antologia literatury o Litwie, introduced, selected and edited by R. Koženiauskienė, M. Niedźwiecka, A. Kalėda; with a preface by E. Ulčinaitė, Vilnius: Lietuvių rašytojų sąjungos leidykla, 1996.

6. The Baroque in Lithuania (characteristics of the period, literary works: memoirs, travel diaries: Peregrynacja do Ziemi Świętej (1582-1584) by M. Radziwiłł the Orphan, Pamiętnik Teodora Jewłaszewskiego nowogrodzkiego podsędka, 1546-1604”, Diariusz podróży po Europie w latach 1677-1678 by T. Billewicz)

K. Szyrwid, Punkty kazań; Morze znaczy nam ludzkie życie na ziemi; Przyczyny, dla których szaleje morze i świat; Wyrzucał Jezus diabła, [in:] „Litwo, nasza matko miła...”: antologia literatury o Litwie, introduced, selected and edited by R. Koženiauskienė, M. Niedźwiecka, A. Kalėda; with a preface by E. Ulčinaitė, Vilnius: Lietuvių rašytojų sąjungos leidykla, 1996.

T. Billewicz, Diariusz podróży po Europie w latach 1677-1678, introduced and edited by M. Kunicki-Goldfinger, Warszawa: Biblioteka Narodowa, 2004. [fragment]

7. The literature of the Enlightenment (P. Ruhig, G. Ostermeier, K. G. Mielcke, A. F. Schimmelpennig Junior,

K. Donelaitis (Metai).

K. Donelaitis/K. Donelajtis, Pory roku – Metai, translated from Lithuanian Z. Ławrynowicz, introduced by

A. Wakar, Z. Ławrynowicz, Olsztyn, Białystok: Pojezierze, 1982.

8. Lithuanian literature between the late 18th century and 1863 – general characteristic. The biligual oeuvre of the poets of the late 18th and early 19th centuries (A. Klementas/ A. Klement, D. Poška/ D. Paszkiewicz, A. Strazdas/ A. Drozdowski, S. T. Valiūnas/ S. T. Walenowicz)

D. Paszkiewicz, Chłop żmudzki, przeł. J. Wichert-Kajruksztisowa, [in:] Tam, gdzie malwy lśnią czerwone. Antologia poezji litewskiej, edited by Z. Stoberski, Warszawa:

PWN, 1973.

A. Strazdas, Kukułeczka, Kant na pochwałę miasta Rygi, [in:] P. Bukowiec, Dwujęzyczne początki nowoczesnej literatury litewskiej. Rzecz z pogranicza polonistyki, Kraków: Universitas, 2008.

S. T. Valiūnas, Biruta, [in:] P. Bukowiec, Dwujęzyczne początki nowoczesnej literatury litewskiej. Rzecz z pogranicza polonistyki, Kraków: Universitas, 2008.

9. Lithuanian historiography, folklore studies, poetry and didactic prose in the first part of 19th century (S. Daukantas, L. Rėza, S. Stanevičius/ S. Staniewicz, L. A. Jucevičius/

L. A. Jucewicz, M. Valančius).

Sz. Staniewicz, Koń i niedźwiedź, Sława Żmudzinom!, translated by J. Wichert-Kajruksztisowa, M. Jurkowski, [in:] Tam, gdzie malwy lśnią czerwone. Antologia poezji litewskiej, edited by Z. Stoberski, Warszawa: PWN, 1973.

10. Lithuanian writers from the middle of 19th century (K. Praniauskaitė/ K. Proniewska, K. Kairys, V. Ažukalnis, K. Nezabitauskis, A. Tatarė)

K. Proniewska, Kalwaria Żmudzka, Wilno i Ostra Brama, [in:] „Litwo, nasza matko miła...”: antologia literatury

o Litwie, introduced, selected and edited by R. Koženiauskienė, M. Niedźwiecka, A. Kalėda; with a preface by E. Ulčinaitė, Vilnius: Lietuvių rašytojų sąjungos leidykla, 1996.

11. Lithuanian romantics: A. Baranauskas/A. Baranowski (Anykščių šilelis) – J. Mačiulis (Maironis)

A. Baranowski, Borek oniksztyński, poetry translation from Lithuanian language J. J. Rojek; philology translation

J. Wajna; introduction, annotation and bibliography

M. Jackiewicz, Olsztyn; Białystok: Pojezierze, 1987.

The literary works of Maironis in Lithuanian language recommended by teacher (Maironis, Pavasario balsai, Vilnius: Baltos lankos, 1995). [selection]

12. The situation of Lithuanian literature in the second part of 19th century in national revival context („Aušra”, „Varpas”), the progress of Lithuanian poetry (P. Vaičaitis, V. Kudirka,

A. Vienažindys).

The literary works of V. Kudirka in Lithuanian language recommended by teacher (V. Kudirka, Raštai, edition:

J. Lankutis et al.; edited by A. Vaitiekūnienė, t. 1: Eilėraščiai; Satyros; Originalios prozos fragmentai; Prozos vertimai; Poetinių dramų vertimai, Vilnius: Vaga, 1989).

13-14. The progress of Lithuanian prose and drama in the second part of 19th century and beginning of 20th century (J. Beniuševičiūtė-Žymantienė (Žemaitė), G. Petkevičaitė-Bitė, S. Ivanauskaitė-Pšibiliauskienė and M. Ivanauskaitė-Lastauskienė (Lazdynų Pelėda), J. Biliūnas, M. Pečkauskaitė (Šatrijos Ragana), V. Pietaris, A. Fromas-Gužutis, J. Vilkutaitis-Keturakis).

Žemaitė, Petras Kurmelis, [in:] Tam gdzie malwy lśnią czerwone. Antologia literatury litewskiej, edited by

Z. Stoberski, Warszawa: PWN, 1973. [fragment]

J. Biliūnas, Laska, translated by A. Lau-Gniadowska, [in:] Tam, gdzie malwy lśnią czerwone. Antologia poezji litewskiej, edited by Z. Stoberski, Warszawa: PWN, 1973.

15. General characteristic of main tendencies of Lithuanian literature and cultural-literary happenings progress in Lithuania in 1905-1918 (J. A. Herbačiauskas/J. A. Herbaczewski, M. K. Čiurlionis, S. Kymantaitė-Čiurlionienė).

J. A. Herbaczewski, Współczesna literatura litewska,

[in:] Głos bólu: (sprawa odrodzenia narodowego Litwy w związku ze sprawą wyzwolenia narodowego Polski), Kraków: S. A. Krzyżanowski, 1912.

Supplementary reading (in Polish)

E. Aleksandravičius, A. Kulakauskas, Pod władzą carów. Litwa w XIX wieku, translated by B. Kalęba, Kraków: Universitas, 2003.

P. Bukowiec, Dwujęzyczne początki nowoczesnej literatury litewskiej. Rzecz z pogranicza polonistyki, Kraków: Universitas, 2008.

M. Jackiewicz, Dzieje literatury litewskiej do 1917, t. 1, Warszawa: Ex Libris - Galeria Polskiej Książki, 2003.

B. Kalęba, Rozdroże. Literatura polska w kręgu litewskiego odrodzenia narodowego, Kraków: Universitas, 2016.

Kultura Wielkiego Księstwa Litewskiego: analizy i obrazy, edited by V. Ališauskas et al.; translated by P. Bukowiec,

B. Kalęba, B. Piasecka, Kraków: Universitas, 2006 (or edition 2 – 2011).

J. Niedźwiedź, Kultura literacka Wilna (1323-1655): retoryczna organizacja miasta, Kraków: Universitas, 2012.

Z. Stoberski, Historia literatury litewskiej. Zarys, second edition, Wrocław: Zakład Narodowy im. Ossolińskich, 1986.

Supplementary reading (in Lithuanian and English)

Lietuvių literatūros istorija: XIX amžius, edited by

J. Girdzijauskas, Vilnius: Lietuvių literatūros ir tautosakos institutas, 2001.

Lithuanian literature, edited by V. Kubilius, English translation R. Dapkutė, D. Bartkutė, Vilnius: Vaga, 1997.

Lietuvių literatūros enciklopedija, edited by V. Kubilius,

V. Rakauskas, V. Vanagas, Vilnius: Lietuvių literatūros ir tautosakos institutas, 2001 – www.lle.lt

E. Ulčinaitė, A. Jovaišas, Lietuvių literatūros istorija: XIII-XVIII amžius, edited by M. Vaicekauskas, Vilnius: Lietuvių literatūros ir tautosakos institutas, 2003.

On completion of the course the student :

KNOWLEDGE

- is able to name and define the basic phenomena, categories and trends in the history of modern Lithuanian literature (from the beginnings to 1918);

- is familiar with the basic terminology of literary history, and with developmental tendencies in Lithuanian literature against the background of comparative literature and cultural history

- has a basic knowledge concerning selected figures in the history of modern Lithuanian literature and their most representative works (up to 1918 )

SKILLS

- is able to read, interpret and analyse literary texts with the aid of properly selected tools of literary criticism, duly taking into account historical and cultural contexts;

- is able to draw conclusions, discuss, formulate judgements and conduct arguments in the domain of modern Lithuainian literature;

- is able to produce a paper in the domain of Lithuanian literature (literary works from the beginnings to 1918) proving his / her ability to make adequate use of the secondary literature.

AWARENESS

- integrates his knowledge about Lithuanian literature with earlier knowledge in the domain of European literary history and culture;

- is aware of the close connection between an efficient and elastic command of knowledge in the domain of literary and cultural history and the communicative skills required by a culturally differentiated labour market;

- understands the need for active participation in the learning process in the humanities, in the making of one’s own personality and in the formation of one’s intellectual outlook.

Final examination to which the student is admitted conditional upon obtaining term credit.

Conditions for obtaining term credit:

a) checking of attendance (the student is entitled to 2 unaccounted absences per term; every additional absence must be agreed with the course coordinator; non-attendance at 50% of the classes bars from participation in the examination);

b) active participation in discussions;

c) systematic preparation for classes (acquaintance with obligatory readings);

d) positive evaluation of course paper in Lithuanian literature (literary works from the beginnings to 1918),

e) oral final examination.

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