Literature in the Age of Globalization and Interculturalism.

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

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.

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 - 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.

Content

Literature in the Age of Globalisation: Socio-political Challenges of the Present and the Discourse of Literature.
The seminar aims to lead a debate on the socio-political and cultural challenges of the present by reading sociological studies and literary works of the recent past. In the first part, excerpts from studies by renowned contemporary sociologists (Zygmunt Bauman, Ulrich Beck, Andreas Reckwitz and others) will be read, analysing the changes that Western societies are experiencing in the course of globalisation. In the second part, selected novels are discussed that deal with topics such as climate change, post-colonialism, capitalist economy, western lifestyle, threats to democracy, etc. The interest in knowledge that this project aims to achieve is the following. The epistemological interest guiding this interdisciplinary procedure is based on ultimately asking what is characteristic of literary knowledge: what can we possibly understand about the processes and problems mentioned only in literary reading, or here at least better than in scientific analysis? Is there a specific characteristic of literary knowledge? And what references might there be between literature and sociology in the analysis of the present? The seminar will thus ultimately also ask about the social role, the task and function of literature in a globalised society.
We will take turns reading novels by Ilija Trojanow (Der Weltensammler, EisTau), Lukas Bärfuss (Hundert Tage), Julie Zeh (Unterleuten; Über Menschen), Katharina Hacker (Die Habenichtse), Robert Menasse (Die Hauptstadt, Die Erweiterung) or others.
Working language: German.

Teaching methods

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, based on a personal reading (70%).
Regular attendance and active participation in the seminar are a prerequisite for assessment and access to the examination.
Oral presentation (Referat und Thesenpapier) at the seminar (possibly in a group), personal written work constituting a deepening of this presentation (see "content"). The course is designed to introduce and/or deepen the student's writing skills in German literature (--> dissertation).
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.

Other information

Pace of sessions adapted to the progression of common readings during the term.

Online resources

Scripts, texts, vocabulary list and detailed bibliography on Moodle.

Bibliography

Une bibliographie détaillée sera diffusée au séminaire.

Teaching materials

• cf. ressources en ligne et bibliographie.

Faculty or entity

ELAL