Studies in Literary Theory (481-0-1)
Topic
Benjamin on Goethe
Instructors
Peter D Fenves
847/467-2966
1880 Campus Drive, Kresge 3329
Office Hours: Mon, 12 - 1:30 PM and by appointment
Meeting Info
Parkes Hall 215: Mon 1:00PM - 3:50PM
Overview of class
The aim of this seminar is to reflect on two constructions of the aesthetic. The first construction, proposed by Kant, makes a certain mode of judgment into the final element of the enterprise of critical reflection on the limits of knowledge and sources of action. The second, proposed by Kierkegaard under a variety of pseudonyms, presents aesthetics into a "sphere of existence" that consists, above all, in the avoidance of decision, beginning with the decision to marry. The first half of the seminar thus begins with a brief look at Kant's early inquiry into the "finer feeling" (1764) and then spends some time with the opening sections of the "Kritik der Urteilskraft" (Critique of Judgment, 1790). It continues with an inquiry into certain sections of Kierkegaard's "Enten/Eller" (Either/Or, 1841) and "Frygt og Bæven" (Fear and Trembling, 1843). The second half of the seminar revolves around the theory of beauty that Benjamin develops in the final section of a long essay he wrote in the early 1920s on Goethe's novel "Die Wahlverwandtschaften" (Elective Affinities, 1809). In preparation for reading Benjamin's essay and a set of related fragments on cognition, we will read and discuss Goethe's novel as well as a small number of his writings on nature and art.
The class will be conducted in English and all texts will be available in translation as well as in the original German and Danish.
Learning Objectives
• Acquire knowledge of the history of aesthetics from Kant to Benjamin
• Gain insight into a certain element of Goethe's work and its reception
• Become familiar with elements of Kantian epistemology and ethics; Kierkegaard's version of "existentialism"; and Benjamin's early "metaphysical" writings
Teaching Method
Seminar
Evaluation Method
Class participation Paper, final Presentations. Final Assessment: Paper
Class Materials (Required)
Books will be available via Canvas and/or PastMasters