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FUBiS Term II: Deutsche Exilliteratur
(course # 2.10)
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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: |
72 (6 per day) |
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Credit Points: |
6 |
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Capacity: |
18 |
Resources
Course description
The seminar explores the literature of German-speaking authors who were forced to leave Germany as a result of the National Socialists coming to power in 1933, including prominent names such as Heinrich and Thomas Mann, Bertolt Brecht, Alfred Döblin and Lion Feuchtwanger. For them, exile was a crisis experience and simultaneously a productive impulse. During this period, central works in German literature were created. The association between crisis and literary productivity will be explored in the seminar through the reading of selected essays, poems, dramas and narrative texts.
After the special productive and living conditions in exile have been examined, we shall then principally concern ourselves with the authorial narrators’ self-concept. How does an author define his role as an author when contact to his readers in his homeland is cut off? And how does this change his writing? These questions will be explored through three aspects: in regard to the reflection of the German cultural condition, to the politicizing of literature in exile and to the examination of the German – Jewish tradition. Furthermore, it will be examined how exile was treated in Germany post-1945. Did exile end in 1945? And how is exile being defined?
The students will broaden their subject knowledge of German history in the 20th century and acquire analytical skills to locate literary texts into their historical political context. Through presentations, theses, essays and discussion they also improve their abilities in oral and written presentation and communication skills.
The deepening of history knowledge is provided through excursions to historic memorials, such as the concentration camp Sachsenhausen/Oranienburg and educational institutions such as the Jewish Museum Berlin.
Student profile
Other than the language requirement below, participants must have no particular knowledge of German literature or history. The seminar is aimed at students from various subjects with an interest in history, literature and the politics of the inter-war period. The seminar is principally conceived for Bachelor and Masters students.
Prerequisites
Language requirement: knowledge of German to at least B2 level (German Intermediate II)
Evaluation
- Regular and active participation (verification of excused absence): 25%
- Two 1-to-2-page essays: 20%
- Approx. 15 minute presentation that introduces a discussion on a seminar text (a list of possible presentation themes will be distributed at the beginning of the seminar): 25%
- Term paper of 8- 10 pages: 30%
Reading
A Reader will be provided at the beginning of the course.
Recommended Course Combination
