Introduction to German Literature: 1945-today (221-3-1)
Topic
Short Stories
Instructors
Franziska B Lys
847/491-8298
1880 Campus Drive, Kresge Hall, Rm 3317
Meeting Info
Kresge Centennial Hall 2-329: Mon, Wed 3:30PM - 4:50PM
Overview of class
This course introduces students to representative short stories by major German-‐speaking authors' writings from 1945 through the present. The stories selected are representative of a dynamic period in German literature and highlight important social, political, and intellectual issues including questions of the recent German past and the representation of history; questions of individual versus collective guilt, questions of gender and sexuality, exile and alienation, the relationship of the individual to a modern technological society; and new themes and issues since the reunification of Germany. In addition, the course examines the genre of the short story, with attention to different modes and styles of writing.
Learning Objectives
"The goals of this course are two-‐fold: to introduce students to a specific period in German literary history (roughly 1945-‐2015) through engagement with a specific genre; and to reinforce students' language skills in reading, writing, and speaking.
a. Through specific focus on the short story, one of the dominant genres of recent German literary history, students are introduced to some of the major stylistic trends, themes, questions, and motifs of the post-‐war era. We will examine the development not only of different prose styles, but also an evolution in the themes, issues and questions the literature explores. This course is particularly well-suited to a course conceived as one of the first literature classes students take in the target language not only because of its relative brevity of each reading, but also because of the direct manner in which it employs language and narrative perspective.
b. This course also serves to strengthen speaking, reading and writing skills through a variety of exercises and approaches (Writing-to-learn tasks). Each class meeting is speaking intensive, with students given ample opportunity to ask and answer questions. Additionally, small group exercises are developed in which 2-‐3 students work through a particular passage or series of questions."
Teaching Method
Seminar
Evaluation Method
Attendance
Class participation
Group work
Homework
Quizzes
Readings
Writing assignments
Class Materials (Required)
Reading material, vocabulary and exercises will be provided through class CANVAS site (PDF files) and through handouts.
Class Attributes
Advanced Expression
Literature and Arts Foundational Discipline
Literature & Fine Arts Distro Area