LFU:online

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

The epoch classification is considered an aid in literary historiography for categorising literary currents and developments. An enormous density of this stylistic classification can be observed around 1900 - the transition to "modernity" is developing. Despite modern writing styles, rather classicist ones continue to be present. Literary currents overlap and develop in exchange and distinction to each other. Can we still speak of epochs of literature here?
The proseminar focuses on the question of epochal time division and how literary history can be divided diachronously and synchronously. The students read stylistically different texts between 1888 and 1913 to get a feeling for how helpful and/or misleading epochal divisions can be. The "isms" around 1900 (naturalism, impressionism, symbolism, expressionism) are considered individually and in relation to each other and historically contextualised. In addition to canonised works (some of which can be found in the reading list), the focus is on shorter stories by well-known (or no longer well-known) authors as well as examples from German colonial literature. In order to narrow down the spectrum of literary trends, only epic text forms (novel, novella, short story, etc.) will be considered. A knowledge of narrative theory terms is advantageous.

It is also advantageous to start reading the primary texts before the semester begins. The order of the texts depends on their publication dates.

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
Written paper (12 pages)

-    Gerhart Hauptmann – Bahnwärter Thiel (1888) – Recommended edition: Reclam XL 2021 ISBN-13: 978-3150161234

-    Hedwig Dohm – Wie Frauen werden (1894)

-    Theodor Fontane – Effi Briest (1895) – Recommended edition: Reclam XL 2021 ISBN-13: 978-3150161074

-    Helene Böhlau – Der Rangierbahnhof (1896)

-    Frieda von Bülow – Tropenkoller: Episode aus dem deutschen Kolonialleben (1896) – Text will be provided and does not need to be purchased.

-    Hugo von Hofmannsthal – Reitergeschichte (1899)

-    Arthur Schnitzler – Lieutenant Gustl (1901)

-    Thomas Mann – Tonio Kröger (1903)

-    Gustav Frenssen – Peter Moors Fahrt nach Südwest (1906) – Text will be provided and does not need to be purchased.

-    Alfred Döblin – Die Ermordung einer Butterblume (1913)

Recommended secondary literature to be read will be announced in the first session.

Cf. Curriculum