Course Description

Embark on a thrilling journey through the captivating world of European crime narratives with this intermediate-level course from KULeuvenX. Delve into the heart of the DETECt project, a groundbreaking European collaborative project funded by the EU Horizon 2020 research programme, as we explore the fascinating intersection of crime fiction, cultural identity, and the process of Europeanisation.

This course offers a unique opportunity to unravel the mystery behind the immense popularity of crime narratives across Europe. By examining the impact of Europeanisation on cultural production, distribution, and reception, you'll gain invaluable insights into how the concept of 'Europe' shapes the landscape of popular media and transmedia crime narratives.

What Students Will Learn

• Analyze the multiple ways crime narratives represent social and historical realities
• Understand the crime genre as a form of social criticism
• Explore how European communities use crime narratives to express local, national, or regional cultural identity
• Recognize the role of crime narratives in representing transcultural identities across national and linguistic boundaries
• Examine the evolution of European transcultural identities through popular narratives
• Interpret the influence of historical and political events on the representation of European society in crime narratives

Pre-requisites

• An interest in the crime genre
• General background knowledge of popular crime series
• Familiarity with analyzing crime narratives from a critical and research-oriented perspective
• Undergraduate-level reading, interpreting, and writing skills

Course Content

• Introduction to the DETECt project and European crime narratives
• Crime narratives and contemporary European society
• History and politics in European crime fiction
• Nordic Noir: Style, location, and the crisis of the welfare state
• Mediterranean Noir: Migration and transculturality
• Eastern European crime narratives: Ethnicity and diversity
• Multilingualism in crime fiction: The Belgian example

Who This Course Is For

• Literature and media studies enthusiasts
• Aspiring writers and critics in the crime genre
• Students of European studies and cultural anthropology
• Professionals in the publishing and entertainment industries
• Anyone fascinated by the interplay between crime narratives and society

Real-World Applications

• Develop a deeper understanding of European cultural identity and societal issues
• Enhance critical thinking and analytical skills applicable to various media forms
• Gain insights into the publishing and entertainment industries' trends
• Improve cross-cultural communication and understanding
• Apply knowledge to create compelling narratives in various media formats
• Contribute to discussions on European integration and cultural diversity

Syllabus

• Module 1: Introduction (KU Leuven)
• Module 2: Crime Narratives and Contemporary European Society (University of Bologna)
• Module 3: History and Politics in European Crime Fiction (University of Limoges)
• Module 4: Nordic Noir: Style, location and the crisis of the welfare state (Aalborg University)
• Module 5: Mediterranean Noir: Migration & Transculturality (University of Bologna)
• Module 6: Eastern Europe: Ethnicity & Diversity (University of Debrecen & University of Bucharest)
• Module 7: Conclusion: the Belgian Example (KU Leuven)