131-417 Avant-Garde Culture: Paris 1880-2000

Usually admission to the postgraduate diploma or fourth year honours in history.

This subject follows the culture of realism of the late 19th century to the emergence of the 'moderne' before, during and after the Great War. Students will examine literary and theatrical challenges to the 'moderne' mode of perception, especially in the light of the Depression and World War II. We will ask questions such as: What are the key constitutive elements of realism? How do these contrast with key elements of the culture of the second quarter of the 20th century? Could this culture be called avant-garde or 'moderne'? What are the key constitutive elements of late 20th century culture? On completion of the subject students should be able to address the relationship between realism, narrative and time. They should also be able to answer the questions: To what extent does realism depend upon narrative within objective time? And is this dependence related to the nature of classical bourgeois or capitalist society?

• show an advanced understanding of the changing knowledge base in the specialist area;

• be able to evaluate and synthesise the research and professional literature in the discipline;

• have an appreciation of the design, conduct and reporting of original research.

A 3000 word research essay 50% (due at the end of semester), a 2000 word reflective essay 40% (due during the examination period) or a 1.5-hour unseen paper sat in the examination period. Class participation throughout the semester 10%.

• C Sowerwine, France since 1870: Culture, Society, and Politics. Palgrave 2001.