Teacher(s)
Büssgen Antje;
Prerequisites
Introduction to German literature and good knowledge of German (advanced level B2+ as defined in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).
Main themes
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.
Aims
At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to : |
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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.
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The contribution of this Teaching Unit to the development and
command of the skills and learning outcomes of the programme(s) can be
accessed at the end of this sheet, in the section entitled
“Programmes/courses offering this Teaching Unit”.
Content
We will read three novels: Der Weltensammler and Eistau by Ilija Trojanow as well as Die Habenichtse by Katharina Hacker. The first one is a historical novel evoking the experience of European colonialism in Africa and India, and depicting the dialogue of civilizations. Eistau allows us to discuss the phenomenon of climate change. Hacker's novel takes place in Berlin and London in the 21st century and discusses the problems of young and cosmopolitan generation and 'la chasse au Bonheur' (Stendhal). On the one hand they have everything but on the other they lack orientation with regard to morals and values in order to live a happy life in a world without a valid model for their biography ('Lebensentwurf').
Teaching methods
Introduction by the lecturer at the beginning of the course; discussion of texts that are prepared individually beforehand. The oral presentations serve as a starting point for the analysis of literary texts and the discussion of topics related to them.
Evaluation methods
Continuous assessment in class (reading at home and active participation in discussions, oral presentation on the basis of a written 'Thesenpapier': 30%); final evaluation in form of a written paper: 70 %. Regular attendance and active participation are a prerequisite for the final evaluation.
Bibliography
Zygmunt Bauman: Flüchtige Zeiten. Leben in der Ungewissheit. Aus dem Englischen von Richard Barth. Hamburger Edition 2008.
Rüdiger Safranski: Wieviel Globalisierung verträgt der Mensch? München; Wien: Hanser 2003.
Une bibliographie détaillée sera diffusée au seminaire.
