German Literature
Yearlong
The goal of this seminar is to make students familiar with the historical, political and literary developments in Germany during the 20th century. In the fall semester we will analyze literary texts from the World War I era, the Weimar Republic, and the time of Nazi Germany. We will study texts by major German writers such as Hauptmann, Thomas Mann, Kafka, Döblin, Irmgard Keun and Bertolt Brecht. Films such as The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari, Der blaue Engel, and the Nazi propaganda film Jud Süss will help us better understand the so-called “Golden Twenties” and give us an insight into the nature of anti-Semitism.
In the spring term we will focus on Postwar German Literature. As we read poems, plays, prose fiction and essays by writers such as Anonyma, Borchert, Böll, Thomas Bernhardt, Celan, Dürrenmatt, Max Frisch, Peter Weiss, Bernhard Schlink, Doris Dörrie and others we will give special attention to the problems of (1) social and cultural problems in Germany right after the war; (2) how German writers have dealt with National Socialism and the Holocaust; (3) German reunification. We will also watch famous films such as Deutschland, bleiche Mutter and Das Leben der Anderen.
This course consists of three equally important components: students will have one seminar with Mr. Dollinger who will discuss the class materials with you in German; one seminar with Ms. Mizelle who will work with students collectively on various grammar and vocabulary issues; and one bi-weekly individual conference with Mr. Dollinger. This is a seminar conducted entirely in German. Students must demonstrate advanced language skills during registration in order to be permitted into this class.
Current students: Go to MySLC for more information on the course.