GRN2025

Two centuries of German literature II: from Rilke to Grass

S Hesse

4 points
* 2 hours per week
* Second semester
* Clayton
* Prerequisite: GRN2015
* Corequisites: GRN2425, GRN2525 or GRN2625

Objectives On successful completion of this subject students should have gained an overview of the main periods, styles, genres, intellectual preoccupations and socio-historical trends in twentieth century German literature from the turn of the century to the post-WWII period through reading texts by the most significant German authors. The subject is conceived as part II of a survey of German literature. It is to serve both as an orientation for students completing a minor sequence or specialising in linguistics and an introduction for students proceeding to more advanced literature/culture studies in third and fourth year options. Students should gain confidence in reading the German language at an advanced level, in understanding the social relevance of literature, in using the technical vocabulary of literary studies, in analysing literary texts and in discussing them in German, keeping in mind that many of our students will spend time at a German university in their third year.

Synopsis This subject will examine twentieth century literature in a socio-historical context through the study of selected texts.

Assessment: Written (2000 words): 70%
* Examination (1 hour): 30%

Prescribed texts

Brecht B Leben des Galilei Suhrkamp
Dürrenmatt F Der Besuch der alten Dame Diogenes
Grass G Katz und Maus dtv
Kafka F Die Verwandlung Reclam
Mann Th Der Tod in Venedig Fischer