This course is intended to introduce students to the basic techniques of literary discussion, to develop student’s ability to interpret by close reading of German literature, and to refine student’s writing skills through frequent writing assignments. We will be using an online primer, Jochen Vogt’s Einleitung zur Literaturwissenschaft (www.uni-duisburg-essen.de/literaturwissenschaft-aktiv/einladung.htm) that will guide us through the material and that is intended to replace the web site that was used formerly. Some materials (such as the poems and some of the shorter prose texts, for example) can still be found on the website, however, which is why we are still using it to a limited extent as a resource.
The general method of instruction is through lectures and classroom discussions. The primary language of instruction is German. We recommend that the student have completed German 203 or its equivalent. Readings of up to 30 pages of text in German are assigned for every class meeting. You will be graded on written work (75%) and on your participation in class (25%). Assignments are due at the beginning of class on the day assigned; paper copies only, please (no email attachments); exceptions on paper due dates can only be made with the advance permission of the instructor. Students will be working as teams in class as well as on some of their assignments. Because of the heavy emphasis on discussion, daily participation is expected. Everyone is allowed two excused absences, beyond that 0.1 points are deducted from your final grade per class period missed.