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GERM364
Modern German Short Fiction
GERM364 FA
Crosslistings: COL 375
Next Offered in 9798 FA
In this seminar we shall read and discuss German novellas
and short stories written during the first three quarters of
the 20th century. Of the prose genres in German literature,
the Novelle can be said to be the most representative and
influential (some would also say the most important),
reaching back to the late 18th century. The German short
story is a later development and has played its principal
role in the past sixty years. The German, Austrian, and
Swiss practitioners of these forms include many of the
greatest names in the canon. We shall read the selections
for their structure per se (their Gestalt) and for their
cultural (and socio-political) content and implications
(their Gehalt).
MAJOR READINGS
Although we shall concentrate on the
20th-century heirs of the tradition, we shall begin with
perhaps three earlier 19th-century examples to set the
stage. Then we shall read and analyze works by Hugo von
HOFMANNSTHAL, Thomas MANN, Franz KAFKA, Robert MUSIL, Robert
WALSER, Werner BERGENGRUEN, Hermann HESSE, Gerhart
HAUPTMANN, Arthur SCHNITZLER, Bertolt BRECHT, Guenter GRASS,
Heinrich BOELL, Ingeborg BACHMANN, and a few other
post-WWII masters of the short narrative form.
EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS
Two or three written
class exercises; no final examination. Oral and several
2-3 page written reports (in German) will constitute an
important part of the work, along with a term project (see
below).
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS
All participants
will be expected to join in the discussion of all works
studied. Regular attendance is taken for granted. A term
paper will be due on the last day of classes.
Analytical, "creative," and translation projects are
possibilities.
COURSE FORMAT: Discussion Seminar Oral Presentations
REGISTRATION INFORMATION
Level: UG Credit: 1.00
Gen Ed Area & Dept: HA GERM
Prerequisites:
GERM214 or GERM216 or GERM217 or WUPG251 and WUPG252
Last Updated on MAR-10-1997
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