The History of German Literature I [ LGERM1314 ]

This course offers a chronological and critical survey of the literature of the given language area from the Middle Ages to the 17th and 18th centuries. It examines the different movements and genres developed during these periods and places them in their socio-cultural contexts. Excerpts (compulsory reading) are used as illustrations.

At the end of the course, students should be able to show insight into the distinctive features of major literary movements and genres. They should be able to situate them in their socio-cultural and historical contexts. Students will become familiar with important literary figures and canonical works of the historical period that is studied. They will be expected to know how to read and interpret some key texts.

Evaluation: oral exam, based on the acquisition of knowledge.
 

Study of the important movements of the history of German literature from the Middle Ages until the end of the 18th century. A basic chronological overview will be given and some important questions in the history of ideas in Germany and Europe will be tackled: man-woman relationships in medieval literature, the influence of the Reformation on cultural and literary history, the ideal of the Aufklärung civilization and its message of tolerance… Interaction and intellectual exchange at a European level will be particularly highlighted in this survey of Germany's intellectual history. The lectures will be completed by tutorial sessions to help students in the compulsory reading of representative texts.

Reference work: Volker Meid, "Das Reclam Buch der deutschen Literatur", Stuttgart, Philipp Reclam jun., 2004. This "classical" history of literature will be used to facilitate the teaching. Its guidelines will structure the course, which will also deepen specific points (complementary notes will then be distributed to the students).