American Innovative Fiction After World War Two

elective courses

Students have basic knowledge of the history of American literature.

The course concerns itself with the most important, or otherwise noteworthy, innovative tendencies in post-war American prose, such as postmodernism, the new journalism, innovative autobiographies.

The course concerns itself with the most important, or otherwise noteworthy, innovative tendencies in post-war American prose. The topics to be discussed include: postmodern fiction (K. Vonnegut, D. Barthelme, R. Coover), critical observations made by postmodern writers (J. Barth, R. Federman), New Journalism - theory and practice (T. Capote, T. Wolfe, N. Mailer), innovative autobiographical narratives (J. Kosinski), magic realism (T. O'Brien).

V. Nabokov, The Real Life of Sebastian Knight.

K. Vonnegut, Cat's Cradle.

R. Coover, Ghost Town.

D. Barthelme, Snow White.

T. Wolfe, The New Journalism.

T. Capote, Handcarved Coffins.

J. Kosinski, The Painted Bird.

A. Spiegelman, Maus.

Knowledge: the graduate will be able to

K_W01 Identify the place and specificity of English Studies against the background of other academic disciplines within the humanities P6S_WK

K_W02 understand key terminology, well established methods and theories of linguistics, literary studies and culture studies within English studies, especially in reference to innovative literary tendencies P6S_WG

K_W03 describe methodology and recent developments in English literary studies and culture studies P6S_WG

K_W04 describe the relation between language, literature, and historical and cultural processes on an advanced level, especially on the example of innovative literary forms P6S_WG

K_W05 list the characteristics of English grammar, syntax, phonology, phonetics, morphology and pragmatics on an advanced level P6S_WG

K_W06 describe established translation theories and identify intricacies of the translation process P6S_WG

K_W07 explain principles of designing literary and culture studies, with special focus on selecting appropriate methods and tools in formulating research questions, especially in reference to American experimental writing P6S_WG

K_W08 describe language evolution on an advanced level, with special focus on English, and give examples of language change within its various subsystems P6S_WG

K_W09

identify on an advanced level the multiplicity of cultures and their complexity, cultural codes, as well as structural and institutional background of culture, with special focus on English-speaking countries P6S_WG

K_W10 describe on an advanced level the geography, history, politics, economy, as well as cultural and societal problems of English-speaking countries P6S_WG

K_W11 recall notions and principles pertaining to intellectual property and copyright law P6S_WK

K_W12 characterize economic, legal and other factors relevant for various kinds of professional activities related to the study programme P7S_WK

K_W13 define the key factors of second language acquisition and describe second language acquisition models advanced within English linguistics P6S_WG

K_W14 describe methodology and recent developments in English linguistics P6S_WG

K_W15 explain principles of designing studies in linguistics, with special focus on selecting appropriate methods and tools in formulating research questions P6S_WG

Abilities: the graduate is able to

K_U01 employ the terminology and methodological tools from linguistics, literary studies and culture studies, especially categories describing innovative literary trends P6S_UW

K_U02 employ the methodology of literary and culture studies within English studies, respecting the ethical norms and copyright law P6S_UW

K_U03 analyze linguistic, literary and cultural phenomena and draw generalizations on their basis with respect to the social, historical and economic context P6S_UW

K_U04 implement knowledge to describe a problem and identify means to solve it, thereby completing a project in literary studies and in culture and religion studies P6S_UW, P6S_UK

K_U05 collect information from various sources, critically assess a source and usefulness of information; analyze and draw generalizations on the basis of information so obtained P6S_UK

K_U06 identify and implement cultural conventions in intercultural interactions, especially in the context of post-war American and European literature P6S_UW, P6S_UK

K_U07 employ modern technology for the sake of obtaining information and using various communication channels and techniques P6S_UW, P6S_UK

K_U08 plan and organize working alone and in a team to attain goals P6S_UO

K_U09 present knowledge and communicate in a cohesive, precise and linguistically correct manner in the English language at level C1 as defined by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages P6S_UK

K_U10 demonstrate fluency at level B1 as defined by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages P6S_UK

K_U11 design one’s own development P6S_UU

K_U12 employ the methodology of English linguistics, respecting the ethical norms and copyright law P6S_UW

K_U13 implement knowledge to describe a problem and identify means to solve it, thereby completing a project in linguistics P6S_UW, P6S_UK

Social competences: the graduate is ready to

K_K01 fulfill societal obligations and perform actions benefiting the social environment in accordance with the knowledge, skills and competences obtained in the course of studies at the program “English studies literature and culture”. P6S_KK

K_K02 undertake life-long learning and personal development, applying skills and competences to select subjects and projects optimally suiting one’s personal interests P6S_KK

K_K03 value responsibility for one’s own work and respect the work of others, adhering to the professional and ethical norms in various projects and other activities undertaken at work, voluntary services, etc. P6S_KR

K_K04 apply the skill to critically assess communicated content to think and act independently in various social situations P6S_KO

K_K05 function effectively in social and cultural interactions, through various forms and media, thanks to the ability to express oneself in a cohesive and lucid manner P6S_KO

K_K06 value cultural heritage and cultural diversity P6S_KO

Education at language level B2+

Grading on the basis of an essay.

Retake: an essay submitted on a later date.

Three absences allowed.