GERM268

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GERM268

Marx/Nietzsche/Freud: Politics, Antipolitics, and the Individual GERM268 SP

Crosslistings: GELT268

Not Currently Offered

This First-Year Initiative seminar focuses on the thought and continued impact of three controversial figures from the modern German cultural sphere: Karl Marx, Friedrich Nietzsche, and Sigmund Freud. Extensive readings will be accompanied by discussion, writing assignments, and oral presentations. The general aims of the course are to explore the foundational writings of the respective authors; to examine the ways in which their thought has shaped current discussions in politics, culture, and the arts. Among the topics considered will be the construction of ideology, national identity, nihilism, decadence, anti-Semitism, misogyny, and subjectivity.

MAJOR READINGS

Karl Marx, SELECTED WRITINGS
---, THE COMMUNIST MANIFESTO
Friedrich Nietzsche, A CRITICAL READER
---, THUS SPOKE ZARATHUSTRA (selections)
---, TWILIGHT OF THE IDOLS (selections)
Sigmund Freud, THE FREUD READER
---, FREUD ON WOMEN
A course reader containing a broad collection of critical
essays on Marx, Nietzsche, and Freud.

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

Weekly one-page position papers, one oral presentation, two short critiques, and one final paper.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

This course is designed especially for first-year students. However, if space permits, students from all other classes will be accommodated.

COURSE FORMAT: Discussion Seminar

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

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

Prerequisites: None

Last Updated on MAR-22-1999

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