University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 15

ECTS credits : 7

Level : SCQF level 10

Semester: 1

Availability restrictions: Not automatically available to General Degree students

Planned timetable: To be arranged.

This module is about 'the best' writing. We will consider the notion of classicism in Italian, French and German literature, tracing the endeavours of generations of writers to rise to the challenge of antiquity by creating literary art which is well-proportioned, harmonious, and which advocates humanist ideals. Through this course, you will not only be introduced to some of the greatest writers Europe has produced (Goethe, Racine, Petrarca), you will develop as a comparatist by learning to reflect critically on national narratives of literary history. In particular, we will ask not only what classicism is, but also why writers and literary historians have felt it necessary to create their own, national classical centres and to what extent these are culturally specific.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisite(s): Permission of the Comparative Literature Honours Adviser.

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 1 seminar and an optional surgery hour.

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: Coursework = 100%


Re-assessment: Written Coursework = 100%

Personnel

Module coordinator: Dr M J White
Module teaching staff: Team taught
Module coordinator email mjw8@st-andrews.ac.uk