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HU Credits:
2
Degree/Cycle:
2nd degree (Master)
Responsible Department:
German Language & Literature
Semester:
2nd Semester
Teaching Languages:
English
Campus:
Mt. Scopus
Course/Module Coordinator:
Prof. Dr. Vivian Liska
Dr. Jan Kühne
Coordinator Office Hours:
>> Tuesday before the course or by appointment
Teaching Staff:
Prof Vivian Liska,
Dr. Jan Kuehne
Course/Module description:
This course explores the theme of youth and rebellion in German modernist literature. Beginning with the late 19th century and continuing through the interwar years, we will examine the ways in which German writers of the period represented young people and their confrontation with power, conventions and authority in their works and the cultural and historical contexts that shaped these works. We will consider a range of genres, including poetry, drama, and prose fiction, and read texts by some of the most significant modernist writers of the period, including Franz Kafka, Else Lasker-Schüler, Rainer Maria Rilke and Robert Musil.
Course/Module aims:
We will pay special attention to the intersection between modernist literary forms and configurations of youth. In addition, we will examine the ways in which youth and rebellion were represented in popular culture of the period, including films and music. Topics covered in this course include:
The emergence of youth culture in Germany and its relationship to modernism
Representations of rebellion and nonconformity in modernist literature
The role of gender and sexuality in representations of youth and rebellion
The relationship between youth and politics in the Weimar Republic
The influence of German modernist literature on contemporary culture
Throughout the course, we will engage in close readings of texts, discussion, and critical analysis.
Learning outcomes - On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
By the end of the course, students will have gained an understanding of the complex and multifaceted representations of youth and rebellion in German modernist literature and will have developed their critical reading, writing, and analytical skills.
Attendance requirements(%):
90%
Teaching arrangement and method of instruction:
Lectures, Close Readings, Discussions
Course/Module Content:
Course Content:
1. Introduction: German Modernism
2. Youth and Modernist Literature
3. Frank Wedekind: Frühlingserwachen/ Spring Awakening
4. Ödön von Horváth: Jugend ohne Gott/ Youth without God
5. Rainer Maria Rilke: Die Turnstunde / The Gym Class
6. Else Lasker-Schüler: Konzert (excerpts) / Die Wupper
7. Franz Kafka: Das Urteil/ The Judgment
8. Robert Musil: Die Verwirrungen des Zöglings Törleß (excerpts)/ Confusions of Student Törless
9. Anna Seghers: Das siebte Kreuz / The Seventh Cross
10. Christa Wolf: Kassandra / Kindheitsmuster (excerpts)/ Kassandra/ Patterns of Childhood
11. Student Presentations
12. Student Presentations and Closing Discussion
Required Reading:
See course content, sessions 3-10.
A Reader will be provided to the students.
Additional Reading Material:
Jon Savage. 2007. Teenage: The Creation of Youth 1875-1945. London: Chatto & Windus.
Jed Esty. 2012. Unseasonable Youth: Modernism, Colonialism, and the Fiction of Development. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
John Neubauer. 1992. The Fin-de-Siecle Culture of Adolescence
Grading Scheme :
Essay / Project / Final Assignment / Home Exam / Referat 35 %
Presentation / Poster Presentation / Lecture/ Seminar / Pro-seminar / Research proposal 30 %
Attendance / Participation in Field Excursion 35 %
Additional information:
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