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Academic Year 2003/2004

Hansel and Gretel and Co.
GERM 279 FA

Once upon a time, there were two brothers by the name of Jakob and Wilhelm Grimm. Some of the tales they collected and edited have lived happily ever after, being translated into many languages, adapted to other media, and quoted or alluded to in many contexts. Others are known today only in the German-speaking countries or not at all. In this course we will examine these and many other German fairy tales from a number of perspectives--literary, cultural, psychological, sociological. Through close readings of the texts and study of some of the scholarship on fairy tales, we will look for answers to questions such as: How "grim" are the Grimms' tales? What is the relationship between fairy tales and myths? What fairy-tale motifs or plots occur in other (folk) literatures? What function do fairy tales fulfill for children and adults?

MAJOR READINGS

Grimm: Fairy Tales
Selected tales by Chamisso, Goethe, Hauff, Hoffmann, Morike.
Various articles and texts by Bausinger, Bettelheim, Luthi, Tatar, Zipes.
Also: Ende, Rowling, Tolkien.

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

Several short papers, two oral reports, a final project, possibly with partners, and a weekly journal.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

Regular attendance and active participation in class mandatory. While the primary texts may be easy to read, the secondary material is more demanding. Students with some proficiency in German are encouraged to read a portion of the primary and secondary texts in the original. Additional sessions for audio and video materials will be scheduled.

COURSE FORMAT: Seminar

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UGRD    Credit: 1    Gen Ed Area Dept: NONE    Grading Mode: Student Option   

Prerequisites: NONE Links to Web Resources For This Course.

Last Updated on MAR-19-2004

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