CJBC649 Current Trends in Narrative Studies: Fictionality and Narrative Rhetoric

Faculty of Arts
Autumn 2016
Extent and Intensity
0/1/0. 2 credit(s). Type of Completion: z (credit).
Teacher(s)
Prof Dr. Stefan Iversen (lecturer), Mgr. Zuzana Fonioková, Ph.D. (deputy)
Guaranteed by
doc. PhDr. Zbyněk Fišer, Ph.D.
Department of Czech Literature – Faculty of Arts
Supplier department: Department of Czech Literature – Faculty of Arts
Prerequisites
The course participants need to be able to read both literary and theoretical texts in English and to follow and actively participate in classes in English.
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is also offered to the students of the fields other than those the course is directly associated with.
The capacity limit for the course is 30 student(s).
Current registration and enrolment status: enrolled: 0/30, only registered: 0/30, only registered with preference (fields directly associated with the programme): 0/30
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
there are 10 fields of study the course is directly associated with, display
Course objectives
How is it that narratives – always constructed, often purely imaginative – influence how real people think and act? This old question has recently been asked in new ways with possible consequences for how we understand the forms and functions of stories both in and beyond literature and fiction.
Circling this question, the course consists of three modules. The first, entitled “What is the study of Narrative now?” is an attempt to outline the current landscapes in narrative research across disciplines. Through examples from developing trends such as second generation cognitive narratology, unnatural narratology, and small stories research we will investigate the possibilities and pitfalls, as well as the premises, preconditions and debates between recent approaches. The second and third module zoom in on two such approaches, both interested in the rhetorical side of narratives: how are we to make sense of the fact that narratives are means to move people? Under the heading of “Narrative Rhetoric” we will look at forms and functions of narratives across media as they work in public discourse such as viral communication, humanitarian aid, and contemporary political rhetoric. Under the heading of “Fictionality” we will then look at a new way of thinking about the role invention plays in human communication by examining cases from autofiction, testimonial narratives, generic fiction, and commercials.
Syllabus
  • What is the study of Narrative now?
  • Narrative Rhetoric
  • Fictionality
Teaching methods
lectures, group and class discussions, use of audiovisual materials, pre-class reading
Assessment methods
end-of-course essay discussing or applying concepts of narrative theory and/or fictionality studies, approx. 5-6 standard pages, written in English, to be handed in by 18 December, 2016
Language of instruction
English
Further comments (probably available only in Czech)
The course is taught only once.
The course is taught in blocks.
General note: The course will take place on 14-16 November, 2016. Schedule: Mon 14/11 14:10-17:25 (U22), Tue 15/11 10.50 -14.05 (U25), Wed 16/11 10.50 - 14.05 (U33).
  • Enrolment Statistics (recent)
  • Permalink: https://is.muni.cz/course/phil/autumn2016/CJBC649