LFU:online

Department of German Studies Department of German Studies

Mag. Dr. Matthias Mansky Mag. Dr. Matthias Mansky

608272

PS Literature in Historical Context: Schiller's Austria. The Reception of Schiller's Work in the 19th Century and Identity Politics

PS 2

2,5

Block

annually

German

Reading and discussion of texts regarding the Austrian reception of Friedrich Schiller.

Austria’s Schiller. Schiller’s reception and identity politics in the 19^th century

The course deals with the connections between literary canon, identity politics and commemorative culture using the example of the Austrian reception of Friedrich Schiller. Friedrich Schiller’s popularity in the 19th century is characterized by a political usurpation of the poet at bourgeois memorial celebrations. Especially the festivities on the occasion of Schiller’s 100th birthday in 1859 signify the highpoint of these honourings. They assumed the character of mass demonstrations and seemed like a utopian imagination of a bourgeois and national unity, that had failed in the political reality. The festivities which were celebrated throughout Europe and even in parts of North America on the one hand reflect the contemporary political and social crisis. On the other hand, they shed light on the collective desires and illusions. Based on the great Schiller-festivities in 1859 the impact on Austrian history of literature will be discussed. Therefore, adaptions of Schiller’s dramas, biographical plays, parodies, press releases, commemorative speeches etc. will be read. They will give us an idea of the multifaceted picture of a German classic.

course based on dedicated readings, discussions, and term papers.

 

Presence, short presentation, term paper (ca. 10 pages)

Thorsten Logge: Zur medialen Konstruktion des Nationalen. Die Schillerfeiern 1859 in Europa und Nordamerika. Göttingen 2014.

Presence, Willingness for discussion

Cf. Curriculum

08.10.2021