Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/litterature-mondiale
In an increasingly interconnected world, understanding how literature transcends borders and cultures is more vital than ever. Coursera’s “Littérature mondiale” (World Literature) course offers a fascinating deep dive into this very topic, exploring the intricate links between literature and globalization. This course doesn’t just present a collection of international texts; it rehabilitates a less-discussed aspect of modernity – literature as a critical laboratory for cultural exchange.
The course, inaugurated by Goethe’s vision in the 19th century, has been a constant thread in comparative literature and translation studies, continuously enriched and transformed across global regions. “Littérature mondiale” picks up this rich history, tracing how literature has circulated globally through translations, critical debates, and educational projects.
The syllabus is thoughtfully structured, beginning with an introduction to the very concept of world literature and its historical trajectory within globalization. It then delves into the practicalities of comparison and translation, highlighting the challenges of “untranslatables” and even exploring the idea of a “world literature library” through the eyes of an architect. The course also examines the role of world literature in education, from its use as a pedagogical tool to its manipulation in ideological struggles, and its current aim of fostering citizens for a multipolar world.
Particularly compelling is the module on the critical powers of world literature, where it encourages a re-examination of national imaginaries, cultural domination mechanisms, and the forces shaping global literary success. The course also gives voice to writers themselves, showcasing how the idea of a global literary consciousness has fueled artistic creation.
Finally, the course concludes by revisiting the fluid concept of world literature, posing questions rather than offering definitive answers. It addresses the notable absence of the African continent in many world literature geographies and, crucially, proposes ways to rectify this significant gap.
Overall, “Littérature mondiale” is an intellectually stimulating and highly relevant course. It challenges conventional perspectives on literary history and offers valuable insights into how literature can serve as a powerful tool for understanding and navigating our globalized world. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in literature, cultural studies, or simply broadening their understanding of global interconnectedness.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/litterature-mondiale