[WesMaps 98/99 Home Page] [Course Search] [Course Search by CID]


GERM264

Kafka and Jesus
GERM264 SP

Crosslistings: COL 285, GELT264
SectionClass Size*AvailableTimesPOIPrereq
1 25 1 Times: M.W.... 2:40PM-4:00PM;NoNo

*The number of spaces listed as available is based on class seats open for the Blue Add phase of registration. Some seats may be taken in previous phases while others may be held out for subsequent phases of registration. (Last Updated on Tue Aug 10 05:00:21 EDT 1999 )

One of the most interesting developments in Kafka scholarship of the last decade has been the impulse to contextualize his work, to demonstrate its connections to the literary and cultural environment from which it sprang. In this course, we will investigate critically what might be called the Jewish subtext of Kafka's work. While due attention will be given to studies that have emphasized analogies between his work and that of the Kabbalah and other Jewish mystical traditions, we will also consider the startling evidence in his work of an attempted synthesis of Jewish and Christian traditions. A focus of the course will in fact be Kafka's interest in the figure of Jesus, who was, after all, not only the Christian messiah but also a bachelor, a storyteller, and a Jew in crisis. The basic texts will comprise two of the three major novels, several stories, including those that may be read as artist narratives, and the diaries and letters.

MAJOR READINGS

Franz Kafka, AMERICA, THE CASTLE, THE
JUDGMENT, THE METAMORPHOSIS, IN THE PENAL COLONY, A REPORT
TO AN ACADEMY, JOSEPHINE THE SINGER, LETTER TO HIS FATHER,
LETTERS TO FELICE
Walter Benjamin, Essays on Kafka
Mark Anderson, KAFKA'S CLOTHES
Sander L. Gilman, KAFKA THE PATIENT

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

One short paper, one exam, one research paper.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

Class attendance and active participation are essential. Only COL majors will be allowed to take this course for credit. All others must take this course for a letter grade. Unless preregistered students attend the first class meeting or communicate directly with the instructor prior to the first class, they will be dropped from the class list. NOTE: Students must still submit a completed Drop/Add form to the Registrar's Office.

COURSE FORMAT: Discussion Lecture

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UG Credit: 1.00 Gen Ed Area & Dept: HA GERM

Prerequisites: None

Section 01
Lensing, L
Times: M.W.... 2:40PM- 4:00PM;
Grading Mode: Mixed
Registration Preference (1 high to 6 low, 0=Excluded) Sr: 1, Jr: 1, So: 1, Fr: 0
No Major Preference Given

Last Updated on MAR-22-1999




Contact wesmaps@wesleyan.edu to submit comments or suggestions.

Copyright Wesleyan University, Middletown, Connecticut, 06459