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. This course requires the writing of a critical essay which will form a major element of the final evaluation.

Main themes

This course offers a chronological and critical survey of German literature from the 17th to the 21st century. It examines and illustrates the main literary movements and genres of this period and places them in their socio-cultural contexts.

Content and teaching methods

This course is devoted to the study of the major German literary movements from the end of the 18th century to the present. It contextualizes them in their historical, socio-cultural and philosophical contexts. Representative extracts illustrate the major developments of the periods under consideration. Tutorials give students the opportunity to comment on their required reading as well as exchange ideas.

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

Assessment: oral exam.

Teaching method: formal lectures; tutorials (10 hrs) help the students prepare their required reading and their critical essays.

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

Other credits in programs