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2018/19 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

SLAV2110 Postcommunist / Postmodernist Identities

15 creditsClass Size: 10

Module manager: Yuliya Kazanova
Email: y.kazanova@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2018/19

This module is mutually exclusive with

SLAV2109Postcommunist / Postmodernist Identities

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

Students will analyse the role of postmodernist aesthetics and ideology in the dismantling of totalitarian culture, as well in the process of shaping of new, post-communist, cultural identities. These two major concepts (post-communism and postmodernism) will be applied to the analysis of the most interesting and prominent works of experimental literature, arts, and cinema in Russia and Eastern Europe.

Objectives

The objectives of the module are to:
- introduce the concept of postmodernity in relation to Eastern European cultures
- investigate the link between postmodernism and liberating movements of the 1980-1990s in Eastern Europe
- examine the development of new postmodern / postcommunist identities as represented in literature
- introduce major themes and tropes of postmodern culture.

Learning outcomes
On completion of this module, students should be able to:
- show an understanding of postmodernist culture
- display awareness of the interlinks between postmodernism and postcommunist society
- have knowledge of the major themes and problems in literature of the period
- and have an understanding of the cultural differences and national forms of the phenomenon.

Skills outcomes
On completion of this module, students should be able to:
- conduct complex analysis of single works of literature
- use specific terminology related to postmodern discourse
- differentiate between various techniques used for aesthetic expression
- critique literary styles and genres in relation to postmodern aesthetics
- discuss construction of new postcommunist identities in Eastern European cultures
- conduct individual research
- present results of research in the form of essays and oral presentations.


Syllabus

The course will begin with a series of lectures on postmodern discourse. Students will read and analyse novels of those postmodernist writers who were developing postmodernist aesthetics within totalitarian cultures or in direct confrontation with them (Kundera, Kristof). This group of writers is contrasted with those who became acknowledged mostly during the post-communist period (Pavic, Pelevin).

The course will also include the screening of several films by Russian and East-European directors.

Teaching methods

Delivery typeNumberLength hoursStudent hours
Seminar231.0023.00
Private study hours127.00
Total Contact hours23.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)150.00

Private study

Preparation per seminar: 23 x 3 hours = 69 hours
- Exam preparation 28 hours
- Essay preparation: 28 hours

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Feedback on January Exam
Short in-class assignments

Methods of assessment


Coursework
Assessment typeNotes% of formal assessment
Essay2,000 words50.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)50.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated


Exams
Exam typeExam duration% of formal assessment
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc)2 hr 00 mins50.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)50.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 13/11/2018 09:25:37

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