LFU:online

Competence in methodologically reflective analysis of literary texts regarding queries of interpretation, theories of genres, problems in history of literature or sociology of literature; competence in writing a conclusive research essay according to the academic standards of literary studies

Even today, one remembers Münchhausen’s ride on a cannonball, but Gottfried August Bürger (1747-1794) who wrote this famous novel about baron Münchhausen is almost forgotten, although Bürger was considered a ‚pop star‘ during his lifetime. His poetic aim was to write ‚popular‘ literature that was intended to be read by the common people. Friedrich Schiller objected Bürger’s ambition. As a consequence of this controversy, Bürger’s writings were marginalized in the literary historiography. But in this seminar, we will analyze the contemporary characteristics of Enlightenment, Empfindsamkeit (Sensualism), and Sturm und Drang in Bürger’s works. He wrote politically dedicated lyric poetry and essays, Enlightenment satires, folk poetry and songs, anacreontics, poems of the early Gothic Romanticism, and he also translated Shakespeare’s works. In addition to Bürger’s well-known writings such as the ballad “Lenore” and the novel “Münchhausen”, we will read and discuss his poems, translations, poetic and aesthetic writings as well as his (ideologically different) reception in German studies of the 19^th and 20^th centuries.

Discussions after introductory presentations and readings, teamwork

Participation in class, one presentation, a written paper (10-12 pages)

To be announced in the first lesson