| dc.description.abstract | The seminar ‘Critical Approaches to the Modern and Contemporary Anglophone
Romance Novel (From A Room with a View to Fifty Shades of Grey)’ was held at the
Department of English of University of Basel in the Winter term of 2020. Articulated over
fourteen weeks, the seminar introduces the students to the romance genre, following the
development of the Anglophone romance novel from the beginning of the last century to
the contemporary period. The syllabus is designed around a parallel exploration of primary
texts alongside critical studies. The main goal is familiarizing students with the definitions,
development, and cultural significance of popular romance fiction, educating them on the
waves of scholarship on romance fiction, and exploring and problematizing the complex
relationship between popular literature and literary scholarship. I share this report with
the main intent of offering a platform for debate and the additional one of preserving and
celebrating a truly unique and satisfying experience, professionally as well as personally.
This report is also meant as a token of my gratitude to all the students who have attended
both seminars and have, through their efforts and contributions, and despite the
restrictions due to the pandemic, concurred to their success. | en_US |
