History of German Literature and Culture II

Course Description

History of German Literature and Culture II (2 hrs. per week)
The module introduces students to the major epochs of German literature and culture of the l9th century (Romanticism, Vormärz, Realism, Naturalism). In the first instance, it provides an overview of relevant literary genres. This is followed by close readings of exemplary texts which will be discussed in their historical and cultural contexts. The aim of the module is to lay the ground for a comprehensive understanding of each epoch which includes art, music, philosophy and other cultural areas.

Methods of assessment and examination: Two-hour examination (90%), attendance (10%).
Core texts: Helen Watanabe-O?Kelly (ed.), The Cambridge History of German Literature; handouts.
Explaining Literature: Hyperlinking texts to Cultural Context

In this media project students will work on original German literary texts taken mainly from the lecture on History of German Literature and Culture. Students will hyperlink certain words and phrases to corresponding explanations in the form of brief texts, dictionary entries, bibliographical reference but also pictures or music.
The objective of the course is to make these texts more understandable by providing information about their linguistic meaning and their cultural contexts. The resulting hypertexts will function as a database helping future students with their German studies.
Teaching and learning methods: The course involves text reading, data research in the internet and library, and text production. Students will work in small groups.
Assessment and examination:
Group participation: 40%; Individual sample of work: 60%.
Language of instruction: German and English.
Core texts: to be announced.