The course is devoted to modern Czech literature and its sources. It has been inspired by the
theory of possible, that is fictional, worlds; this theory is made clear by using examples from
both Czech and other literatures. It will trace the correlation between reality and its rendering
in literature; it will analyze methods used by individual authors and schools.


The lecturers will deal with the following topics: the development of ideals in nineteenth century
literature, innovative tendencies in the Czech Fin de siècle in the early twentieth century;
ontological aspects in the prose of Karel Čapek and the poetry and prose of Czech Poetists; the
depiction of the Holocaust and of the Communist totalitarian regime; the specific features of the
poetics of Milan Kundera. A representative choice of texts will acquaint students with stimulating
works and the central values of Czech literature.  Part of the interpretation of modern Czech
literature offered in the course will be commented on through the presentation of four recent films
based on four major works of Czech prose fiction.


Recommended literature in English is listed in individual chapters.




Examination procedure

The course is finished with an essay of 1200-1500 words,  to by sent by e-mail to the respective
teacher by the 20th  of May. The choice of the topic must be consulted with the respective teacher.


Time and location

The class will take place on Wednesdays from 12.30 p.m to 2.05 p.m. at the Faculty of Arts in Room
C31.


Teacher responsible for the course

Doc. PhDr. Jiří Kudrnáč, CSc.

Tel.: 549494497

e-mail: kudrnac@phil.muni.cz


Lecturers

Mgr. Petr  Bubeníček, Ph.D.      petrb@phil.muni.cz

PhDr. Miloš Fiala, Ph.D.             m.j.fiala@email.cz

Doc. PhDr. Bohumil Fořt, Ph.D.        bohumil.fort@utoronto.ca