European Detective Fiction and Society 2 (10 credit points)

Content of Course

A student on this course can expect to explore key examples of European detective fiction from Italy, Norway, France, Czech Republic and Scotland. We shall consider the characteristics and role of each detective and examine how the authors use their writing, and protagonists, to express anxieties about social and political change. Through Camilleri's The Potter's Field we shall explore organised crime and Montalbano's anxiety for his colleagues in a new world of policing. Pierre Lemaitre's Alex will present us with questions of retribution and the morality of crime while Skvorecky's Lieutenant Boruvka asks us to consider bureaucracy and policing in changing historical times. Nesbo's Harry Hole will allow us to discuss corruption and internal police politics in Norway. We finish the course with a return to Scotland to explore Inspector Rebus' insights into the changing scene of domestic politics as the Scottish parliament is constructed. These novels offer us a window into the challenges of their times and we shall discuss those challenges by thinking about their context and through close textual analysis.

1. Italy and Sicily: In homage to Pepe Carvalho, Montalbano and the mafia. Text: Andrea Camilleri, The Potter’s Field.

2. France: Crime and justice. Text: Pierre Lemaitre, Alex.

3. Czech Republic: Boruvka, politics and paperwork. Text: Josef Skvorecky, The Mournful Demeanour of Lieutenant Boruvka.

4. Norway: Corruption and serial killing. Text: Jo Nesbo, The Devil’s Star.

5. Scotland: Rebus, independence and corruption. Text: Ian Rankin, Set in Darkness.

Teaching method(s)

Mini lectures will provide a contextual overview of each novel, followed by a guided discussion on themes, characterisation, plot and narrative style. The course will be taught in a small seminar setting, where participation will be supported and encouraged.

Learning outcomes

On completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• Analyse and evaluate the distinctive characteristics of detective fiction through close reading, using recognised literary critical terminology and methodologies;

• Articulate an understanding of how the detective genre has developed and diversified across Europe;

• Construct, present and evaluate arguments coherently, applying knowledge of cultural, political and socio-historical contexts within these;

• Analyse contemporary responses and reactions to the novels by evaluating and assessing ideas from non-literary texts such as criticism or journalism;

Sources

Core Readings

Essential:

• Camilleri, Andrea. 2015. The Potter's Field. London: Picador.

• Lemaitre, Pierre. 2013. Alex. London: McLehose Press.

• Skvorecky, Josef. 1991. The Mournful Demeanour of Lieutenant Boruvka. London: Norton.

• Nesbo, Jo. 2009. The Devil's Star. London: Vintage.

• Rankin, Ian. 2008. Set in Darkness. London: Orion.

Recommended:

• Priestman, Martin ed., 2003. The Cambridge Companion to Detective Fiction. Cambridge: CUP.

• Scaggs, John, 2005. Crime Fiction. London: Routledge.

• Plain, Gill, 2001. Twentieth-Century Crime Fiction. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press.

• Nestingen, Andrew and Arvas, Paula., 2011. Scandinavian Crime Fiction. Cardiff: University of Wales Press.

Assessments

10 credit courses have one assessment. Normally, the assessment is a 2000 word essay, worth 100% of the total mark, submitted by week 12. To pass, students must achieve a minimum of 40%. There are a small number of exceptions to this model which are identified in the Studying for Credit Guide.

Studying for Credit

If you choose to study for credit you will need to allocate significant time outwith classes for coursework and assessment preparation. Credit points gained from this course can count towards the Certificate of Higher Education.

Queries

If you have questions regarding the course or enrolment, please contact COL Reception at Paterson's Land by email COL@ed.ac.uk or by phone 0131 650 4400.

Student support

If you have a disability, learning difficulty or health condition which may affect your studies, please let us know by ticking the 'specific support needs' box on your course application form. This will allow us to make appropriate adjustments in advance and in accordance with your rights under the Equality Act 2010. For more information please visit the Student Support section of our website.