German literature: modern literature. Concepts and texts

Teacher(s)

Büssgen Antje;

Language

Deutsch

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

In a first stage, the meaning of modern coming from neighboring disciplines (sociology, philosophy and art history) will be examined to come up with a notion of "modernity" which is not simply inspired by historiography. This discussion makes the link to the courses on the history of literature and thought included in the BAC program.
After this brief introduction the main part of the course covers the practice of literary interpretation. On the basis of selected texts of principal authors of the modernist period in German literature (Thomas Mann, Rilke, Kafka, Benn, Brecht, Döblin, Trakl, for example) we shall discover innovations in the choice of themes and esthetic expression related to this time. In particular, we shall examine how in the different texts and text types the authors conceive, imagine, and tell the relationship between the outer- and inner- worlds of the individual.

Learning outcomes

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :
1	Participants who complete this course successfully will be able to - become familiar with the era of modernism with respect to both the concept of modernity in literary research (Modernethorie) and major authors and works of this period - distinguish modernist German literature of the beginning of the 20th century from more traditional forms of poetic expression (realism, naturalism) and to describe in a critical view the themes and problems treated by the literature of the first decades of the 20th century.

Content

Die Literatur der Klassischen Moderne: Themen und Schreibweisen im frühen 20. Jahrhundert.
The seminar is devoted to the so-called "Klassische Moderne", which marked the beginning of the 20th century in terms of literature and the history of ideas. Linguistic reflection and anthropology, an inquisitive look at innovative approaches in the arts surrounding modernism (painting, sculpture, music) and the reception of Friedrich Nietzsche's philosophy characterise this period. In the wake of the avant-garde, artists experimented both thematically and aesthetically, the break with the great classico-romantic tradition of the 19th century was completed, and a truly new, modern, thematically and formally contemporary literature was born. In the course of the seminar, the works of Rilke, Benn, Kafka and other representatives of the period are studied in turn. As an introduction, the linguistic-philosophical texts of Nietzsche (Ueber Wahrheit und Lüge im aussermoralischen Sinne) and Hofmannsthal (Ein Brief, sogen. <Chandos-Brief>), which shape the era, will be discussed.

Teaching methods

Seminar. Introduction to the topic at the beginning of the course/quarter by the teacher. Then discussion of common readings in plenary. Presentation of literary and thematic analyses by the students in small groups on the basis of a prepared work with reference books and current scientific articles on the chosen themes (Referat mit Thesenpapier).
The personal written work (=final exam) is a continuation and deepening of these oral presentations during the course.

Evaluation methods

Continuous assessment of the work done in the course (oral presentation, discussions) (30%).
Final assessment in the form of a personal written assignment (70%).
Regular attendance and active participation in the seminar are a prerequisite for assessment and access to the examination.
Oral presentation (Referat und Thesenpapier) in the seminar (possibly in groups), personal written work as an extension of this presentation (see "content"). This will provide an introduction to and/or deepening of writing skills in German literature (--> thesis).
The personal written work (final exam) is done individually with reference to specific contents discovered during the four-month period and by oral presentation (Referat). In case of failure, the second session consists of a revision of the submitted work.
Working language: German.

Bibliography

Kiesel, Helmuth : Geschichte der literarischen Moderne. Sprache, Ästhetik, Dichtung im 20. Jahrhundert. München: Beck 2004.

Une bibliographie détaillée sera diffusée au séminaire.

Teaching materials

• cf. ressources en ligne et bibliographie.

Faculty or entity

ELAL