LFU:online

Methodically supported, text-oriented interpretation of selected texts; ability to identify and to describe the relation between social, literary and cultural history

Since the 1850s the city has been seen as a place for a new, specific way of living and as an epitome of rapid social and cultural changes. In literature the city does not only function as mere setting, but also as a motive to reflect upon social and philosophical developments. At the same time, urban experiences influence the authors’ language and narrative techniques. Chosen examples represent different views on the city, ranging from the city as a place of horror and misery on the one hand and to the city as a place of anonymous freedom on the other hand. A guided city tour through Innsbruck offers the opportunity to get familiar with the literary side of the town.

Short frontal lectures, analysis and discussion of the texts based on kick-off presentations and individual reading of the texts

Participation in class and preparation at home (reading of the texts!)
Kick-off presentations, contribution to the discussion
Short exam (discussion of the texts) at the end of semester
Written paper (12 pages)

(a final reading list will be handed out at the beginning of the semester)

chosen poems (u.a. von Gottfried Benn, Joachim Ringlnatz, Elfriede Gerstl)
Christoph Martin Wieland: Die Abderiten
Wilhelm Raabe: Die Chronik der Sperlinggasse
Heinrich Mann: Die kleine Stadt
Bertolt Brecht: Aufstieg und Fall der Stadt Mahagonny
Alfred Döblin: Berlin Alexanderplatz
Erich Kästner: Fabian
Heimito von Doderer: Die Studlhofstiege
Daniel Spitzer: Wiener Spaziergänge
Thomas Bernhard: Amras
Christoph W. Bauer: Das Alphabet der Häuser

The Third Man (film)