University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 20

ECTS credits : 10

Level : SCQF level 11

Semester: 2

Planned timetable: To be arranged.

The module analyses the meaning of the word 'contemporary' as applied to literary texts, exploring questions such as: does 'contemporary' signify '10 years ago' or '10 months ago'? Who decides (e.g. which institutions and market forces)? Does this differ from one European country to another? From one genre to another? Different theories of canon-formation are assessed in terms of their viability vis-Ó-vis contemporary literature: can there be a truly contemporary canon? Is world literature linked to canon formation? What is the role of publishing houses, retailers, literary prizes, the internet, social media and media scandals in constructing 'today's canon'? The module is based on at least three disciplines, including but not limited to Arabic, French, German, Italian, Persian, Russian, Spanish, and combines theoretical sessions with a number of case studies.

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 2 hours (lectures and seminars)

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: Coursework = 100%

Personnel

Module coordinator: Professor M A Hutton
Module teaching staff: Team taught
Module coordinator email mh80@st-andrews.ac.uk