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Cursus: LI2V14001
LI2V14001
Utopian Imagination
Cursus informatie
CursuscodeLI2V14001
Studiepunten (EC)7,5
Cursusdoelen
1. Students acquire insight in the interaction between imagination and social changes in different historical contexts.
2. They build up their knowledge of utopian world literature
3. The students learn to apply theories
4. Students become familiar with comparative and historical approaches in literary studies
5. Students use and improve their knowledge and skills acquired at  ‘Verbeelding als cultuurkritiek
6. Students receive training in writing and presenting
Inhoud
In this course students study literature as a narrative tool to imagine the future. At the same time they learn that these utopian texts reflect a historical setting and mindset. We will study the function and meaning of utopian texts at two turning points in history: the age of discovery and the scientific revolution (16th-18th century) and the social-economic tensions and changes in the late nineteenth century. In the first period utopian and dystopian responses to a radical changing world view (encounters with a new world, scientific discoveries, religious turmoil) will be studied. How does literature intervene in conflicts and debates on science, religion and politics? In the second period the question will be addressed how utopian optimism or irony could lead to pessimism and (dystopian) scepticism.
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