Literature in the Age of Globalization and Interculturalism. [ LGERM2716 ]

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Introduction to German literature and good knowledge of German (advanced level B2+ as defined in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).

The problems stemming from European colonialism and the post-colonial debates and also the more recent problem of climate change and human responsibility for it are related to the processes mentioned above.

Reading contemporary literary texts based on themes of globalization and interculturality thereby requiring a brief theoretical introduction to these processes (globalization, intercultural dialog, climatic change, etc.) and in particular to their ethical and esthetical sides and to the role of the intellectual in society. The literary texts studied in this course (novels, plays, etc.) are therefore accompanied by theoretical and scientific texts (essays, studies) related to the respective subjects.

Participants who complete this course successfully will be able to

- read contemporary literary works which are based on the processes which mark our time in its economic, social, and cultural dimensions and which treat the challenges of our present and future: the globalization and creation of alliances of countries which co-operate economically and politically (Europe and the European Union, for example) and the interaction of different cultures within societies which are more and more subject to migration (intercultural dialog or clash?);
- realize the importance of literary texts as the basis for the public discussion about these questions and of the self-image  of the author as an intellectual in modern society.

The theme of the course is linked to the issues covered by the course of the BAC on the  civilizations of German speaking countries.

Continuous evaluation of the work accomplished during the course (oral contributions, discussions).

Written final exam (individual) on the basis of a personalized reading assignment.

Practical work: Literary analyses carried out by small groups in collaboration with the professor.

The reading list evolves over time. It will be announced at the beginning of each course cycle.

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