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Term I: Deutsche Märchen
(Course # 1.8)
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Type: |
B Track |
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Instructor(s): |
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Language: |
German |
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Contact hours: |
48 Contact Hours |
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Credit Points: |
4 credit points |
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Capacity: |
18 |
Resources
Course description
"Once upon a time…": these four familiar words introduce the reader into the world of fairy tales - into a mystical time of yore that many long for. Curses and magic spells, death and life, envy and ill-will, poverty and wealth shape this fairy tale world and reflect the hopes and fears of the culture from which the fairy tales emerge. For today's reader, German fairy tales call forth associations of "Fairy Tale Palaces" like Neuschwanstein or enchanted forests. With their archetypes, themes, and pastoral setting, German fairy tales are one of the most important cultural and literary signifiers of the country.
The term "German fairy tale" would be inconceivable without the Brothers Grimm, who published their "Kinder- und Hausmärchen" ("Children's and Household Tales") in 1812. With their "Deutsches Wörterbuch" ("German Dictionary"), Jacob und Wilhelm Grimm also attempted to strengthen a national consciousness among Germans by means of language. German fairy tales became a nexus of early aspirations for a national "German" culture and language in the wake of the Napoleonic Wars - and thus a cornerstone of a national identity.
In our seminar, we will analyze German fairy tales in a broad cultural-historical context. This reading promises a sound and differentiated overview of cultural, historical, political, and lingustic developments in Germany. We willl make the exciting discovery that the stories of "Aschenputtel" (Cinderella) and "Dornröschen" (Sleeping Beauty) are still the stuff of dreams: not just for Germans but for people all over the world. Exactly what we can still learn from these archetypes and why they are still so pertinent in today's world are key questions that we will answer in this seminar.
Student profile
Ideal for students of literary, cultural, political, and social sciences, this seminar seeks to bring to the foreground cultural and historical connections between German fairy tales, language, and state- and nation-building. At the same time, the seminar will enable you to create your own informed understanding of German culture and history based on representations in film, text, art, and music.
Prerequisites
German language skills at the B2-level (or higher) of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).
Course requirements
I. Active Participation
What is active participation?
• Being prepared for the seminar, e.g., having read the texts carefully.
• Constructive and productive participation in class and during the excursions.
• Respect for the opinions and comments of the other seminar participants.
I. a. Seminar Times and Excursions
The seminar takes place on Tuesdays and Fridays. Thematic excursions are planned for the seminar. Your essay can also be based on the excursion topics.
II. Presentation
You will prepare a 20-minute presentation (including discussion), in which you will present and explain a seminar topic. It is important that you prepare a handout with theses to debate with the other seminar participants.
III. Essay
You will write an 8-page essay (double-spaced, 12 pt.; 7 pages text, one page bibliography) on a topic that fits the scope of the seminar.
Your essay is to be submitted both in written form and as an e-mail attachment to djprickett@gmail.com. After the seminar, a “seminar proceedings” will be compiled as a pdf-file and sent to you by e-mail.
Grading
Active Participation: 35%
Presentation: 30%
Essay: 35%
Reading
A reader will be provided at the orientation meeting.
