Masterpieces of German-language literature: from the Middle Ages to the Classical period

Teacher(s)

Büssgen Antje;

Language

Deutsch

Content

The course offers an introduction to the literary study of German-language literature, from the early Middle Ages (Carolingian Renaissance) to the end of the 18th century (Empfindsamkeit, Sturm und Drang), including literature from the Staufer period in the High Middle Ages (Staufische Klassik; Minnesang), humanism, the Baroque and the Enlightenment (Aufklärung). The course addresses the significance of the names given to literary periods and the question of why literature is structured and ‘narrated’ chronologically and historically in literary studies. Important periods and representative works of different literary genres that marked their era and entered the canon will be the subject of discussions and close readings. At the end of the joint readings, we will tackle the novel by the young Goethe, Die Leiden des jungen Werther, a novel that made him famous and is considered the first modern novel and a work of world literature.

Teaching methods

Presentation by the teachers and joint work on short texts such as poems or excerpts from other genres (drama, novels). Preparatory reading of documents on literary history and literary texts by the students. Practice of the language skills required for literary text description in the TP. Regular attendance and active participation in both courses,doing exercises and homework.

Evaluation methods

Continuous assessment (30%) based on active participation in classes, completion of exercises and assignments during the term, final examination (Klausur) on site (70%). June and September sessions: written examination on site (Klausur)

Other information

Preliminary meeting during the first week of the semester, lectures begin during the second week.

Online resources

Texts and documents will be made available on Moodle. The books that need to be purchased will be announced in the preliminary meeting.

Bibliography

Une bbliographie d'ouvrages de références sera présentée au cours et accessible sur moodle.

Faculty or entity

> ELAL