LFU:online

Students will reflect on the affordances of digital media and perfect their skills in analyzing literature (in particular digital literature). They will practice how to select and critically assess relevant research. They will also train how to present and discuss their findings both in an interactive setting (expert groups) and as a cogent written argument (research paper). 

The first chapter of Bronwen Thomas’ recent book Literature and Social Media bears the title “Why ‘literature’ and ‘social media’ are not antithetical”. The fact that Thomas sees it as necessary to start with this assertion points to the wide-spread assumption that digital media in general, and social media in particular, are somehow inimical to ‘literature’. In this seminar, we will problematize this assumption and deal with the many fascinating ways in which digital media are not only transforming the production and reception of literature, but also producing new literary genres and formats. Among the phenomena we will consider in the course are Instapoetry, online theatre and digital reading culture platforms such as BookTube. There will also be room for the students to suggest further literary digital formations they would like to examine and discuss.

As a foundation for our discussions, we will engage with some central theory text on digital culture (e.g. by Henry Jenkins, Jim Collins and Simone Murray).

The course will be co-taught by Ella Mingazova (University of Leuven).

Discussion, presentations, group work, expert groups, writing/research assignments

 Oral (active participation in class, presentation as part of an expert group) and written (short writing assignments during the semester, final paper)

TBA (a reader with some of the obligatory material will be made available at the beginning of the semester)

MA: none

Teacher Training Programme 2001: Positive completion of first part of studies (1. Studienabschnitt).

Due to substantial differences in the allocation of ECTS-Credits in various curricula (teacher training program - BA/MA English and American Studies), the requirements for this course vary. Information will be provided by the instructor at the beginning of the course.