LFU:online

Institut für Amerikastudien Institut für Amerikastudien

Univ.-Prof. Mag. Dr. Arno Heller Univ.-Prof. Mag. Dr. Arno Heller

610008

American Literature: Literary Innovation in the American Short Story

PS 2

5

wöch.

semestral

Englisch

The objective of the course is to investigate the major trends, backgrounds, forms, and thematic aspects of the American short story from its beginnings up to today. In particular the structural effects of the concept of "brevity“ on literary innovation will be thematized. Starting out from a general theory of short fiction we will analyze a number of important statements by authors and literary critics. In each of the ensuing sessions two or three stories by major authors from E. A. Poe to postmodernism will be discussed in class within the changing contexts of American cultural history.

Reading of all texts in class; participation in the class discussions and group work, a 12-page paper in English, a 2-3-page handout, presentation of paper in class (20 minutes), two appointments with the course leader.

Oral and written (midterm and final tests)

Anmeldungsvoraussetzung/en im BA: positive Beurteilung der Pflichtmodule 3 und 16 Entspricht im Diplomstudium (343): PS2: American Literature Entspricht im Lehramtsstudium (344): PS2: American Literature
Beginn: 6.10.2010