German literature. Intermediality: text and image [ LGERM2814 ]

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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).

In modern societies, visual media have come to dominate our culture. Philological studies, which traditionally concentrate on text analysis and thereby on the written and how it relates on how we approach the world, have to take this into account.

As a consequence, a paradigm shift from purely linguistic to iconic has occurred in human sciences. Researchers in this area now need the skill to analyze and evaluate the visual side of textual cultural phenomena and in particular their epistemological potential (the creation of meaning which does not pass via word or concept). This is what "research in intermediality" means.

Whereas research in "intertextuality" is already well-developed in French speaking cultures, the concept of "intermediality" has not yet gained the same degree of attention as in English  or German speaking cultures. The course is therefore of particular interest to students coming from a French speaking background since they will not only learn about important literary developments in the German language but also about a way of reasoning which may be new to them.

Participants who complete this course successfully will be able to

- become familiar with methodological debates concerning intermediality and to discuss about their impact on textual and literary research
- deepen their understanding about the relationship between word and image;
- interpret on the basis of literary works of different periods (reaching from the «Kunstperiode» around 1800 to now) the relationship word-image of various authors (Goethe, Mörike, Rilke, Trakl, Handke, Grünbein, Thomas Kling, etc.) ;
- to carry out a practical exercise of detailed literary study covering esthetic approaches and stylistic constructions on the basis of a close reading of texts augmented by descriptions of visual representations whether directly integrated in these texts or simply refered to by them

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

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

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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