ClassInfo

Humans and Animals: This course (taught in German) provides an introduction to literary analysis by tracing the development of the trope of the animal in German-language literature, culture, and thought. We will read works of literature that feature animals, consider literary and philosophical investigations that explore what it means to be human and what it means to be animal, and consider the question of humans and animals from a contemporary viewpoint informed by current debates in animal studies. We will read novels, short stories, and poems by authors including E.T.A. Hoffmann, Rilke and Kafka. Images, videos and other media will accompany our readings to deepen our analytical skills. By exploring the boundary between humans and animals, we will also focus on literary theory, elements of narrative and text genres. Students will complete in-class writing tasks and engage in-class discussions. Longer writing assignments include short writing responses, a close reading paper, and a comparison and contrast essay.

70% Reports/Papers
15% Class Participation
15% Other Evaluation

20% Lecture
75% Discussion
5% Demonstration

30-50 Pages Reading Per Week
15 Pages Writing Per Term
3 Paper(s)
Other Workload: Paper revisions are expected for this writing intensive course.