Department of European Studies & Modern Languages, Unit Catalogue 2009/10 |
EU20407: Border crossings: memory and identity in contemporary Europe |
 Credits:
| 6 |
| Level:
| Intermediate |
| Period: | Semester 2 |
| Assessment:
| CW 33%, ES 67% |
| Supplementary Assessment: | Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations) |
| Requisites:
| |
| Description: | Aims: The purpose of this unit is to challenge assumptions about European and national identities; to enable students to gain an understanding of the complexity, diversity and interrelated nature of European cultures, as reflected in the work of selected contemporary European writers and film-makers. Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to: * reflect on questions of identity in relation to family, community, ideology * describe and evaluate the impact on individuals of migration, forced and unforced movement across borders, between languages, traditions * assess the ways in which Europeans deal with the legacy of war, displacement, catastrophe, through the functioning of memory and the denial of memory. Skills: Skills in critical analysis, conceptual thinking, precision in the use of written and spoken language, exercise of independent judgement, reasoned argument, teamwork and the planning/conduct/reporting of non-quantitative research are taught and assessed in this unit. Skills in effective learning are developed in this unit. Content: An exploration of shifting identities in contemporary Europe, through a variety of written and visual media, with particular reference to geographical and linguistic boundaries, and the themes of exile, migration, memory and forgetting. Texts and films for analysis may include, but are not limited to: H. Mueller, The Land of Green Plums; E. Palandri, The Way Back; I Kadare, The File on H; F.T. Fridriksson, Cold Fever, X. Koller, Journey of Hope; E. Reichart, February Shadows; J. Berger, To the Wedding. |