Aims

At the end of the course, students should be able to show insight into the distinctive features of major literary movements and genres. They should be able to situate them in their socio-cultural and historical contexts. Students will become familiar with important literary figures and canonical works of the historical period that is studied. They will be expected to know how to read and interpret some key texts.

Main themes

This course offers a chronological and critical survey of the literature of the given language area from the Middle Ages to the 17th and 18th centuries. It examines the different movements and genres developed during these periods and places them in their socio-cultural contexts. Excerpts (compulsory reading) are used as illustrations.

Content and teaching methods

This course is devoted to the study of the major German literary movements from the Middle Ages to the end of the 18th century. It will introduce some chronological developments as well as examine crucial questions related to the literary history of German literature and its European context: gender questions in medieval literature, the influence of the Reformation on cultural and literary history, the ideal of civilization which characterizes the Aufklärung and its message of tolerance. Tutorials will help the students prepare the required reading of representative excerpts such as Das Nibelungenlied (in Modern German) and Lessing's Nathan der Weise.

Other information (prerequisite, evaluation (assessment methods), course materials recommended readings, ...)

Assessment: oral exam.

Teaching method: formal lectures.

Course materials: Barbara Baumann and Brigitta Oberle, Deutsche Literatur in Epochen. Ismaning, Max Hueber Verlag, 2000.

Other credits in programs