English 345

20th-Century European Literature

Course Description & Information

One of the twentieth century's key literary themes has been revolt; another way to look at it might be "up against the system." In looking at the texts for this course, I will ask you to focus on this issue -- not ignoring others, but using it as the unifying idea from text to text (and for the final). The system might be traditional marriage, authoritarian government, or social expectations (among others!), so look for it in a number of guises, often layered one upon another. I have tried to select texts which draw from a variety of countries on the European continent as well as represent as full a chronological spectrum as possible. You will be choosing a dramatic text to read on your own and do a paper on (any continental 20^th-century European dramatist except Brecht is possible), so start thinking of possibilities soon; you may choose untranslated texts if I approve them first. ALL late papers will be penalized.