LFU:online

This course examines “short stories”. Depending on the context, they are also called “novellas”, “short novel” or even “novel”; in the German literary discourse mainly the term “Novelle” is used. What then distinguishes this (international) genre? And what are the differences between the various representatives? Answers to this question will be discussed and developed during the course.

This course deals with literary criticism focusing on the genre of the “short story”. The aim of the course is to familiarize participants with key analytic concepts and technical terms (diegesis, peripety, plot, narration, framing, meta/fiction, self-reference etc.) as well as with fundamental theoretical methods and models (semiotics, criticism, authorship, gender studies). Analyzing and interpreting different modern, mostly European short stories in their historical setting, students will receive practical training in the use of technical and theoretical tools. The purpose of the course is to provide an understanding of literature’s poetics, rhetoric and semiotics in their broader theoretical significance and to strengthen students’ attentiveness to various literary strategies.

The various literary theories will be presented by the lecturer. The students analyse the applicability of these theories to selected short stories in learning and discussion groups.

To accomplish the course objective the students take part in learning groups and prepare keynote speeches during the semester. At the end of the semester, a short paper (circumference about 3-5 pages) has to be handed in. The active participation in the discussions will also be considered.

approximate text selection:

Boccaccio, Decamerone V/9 (Falkennovelle)

Goethe, Die wunderlichen Nachbarskinder

Goethe, Die Novelle

Cervantes, La Gitanilla,

Kleist, Die Marquise von O.

Melville, Bartleby

Keller, Romeo und Julia auf dem Dorfe

Verga, Cavalleria Rusticana

Balzac, Sarrasine

Hauptmann, Bahnwärter Thiel

Döblin, Die beiden Freundinnen und ihr Giftmord

Roland Barthes, S/Z