California State University, Chico
Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures
Introduction to German Literature ~ Einführung in die deutsche Literatur
German 140B - MW 12:30-1:45 - TMPB 006

[Hauptseite - Stundenplan - Syllabus - Course Content and Objectives - Course Materials - Expectations and Grades - Links]

Instructor: Prof. Christine (Manteghi) Goulding
E-mail: cgoulding@csuchico.edu
Webpage: http://www.csuchico.edu/~goulding/
Office Hours: Mon. & Wed. 2:00pm-4:05pm
Office: Trinity 146
Office Tel: 898-5166
Department Tel: 898-5388


Course Content and Objectives: The course has three primary objectives. First, students will gain a general knowledge of German literature from 1750 to 1950. We will read literary works as historical documents written in a particular context and from a particular perspective. We will explore literature as a window into those contexts and perspectives to establish a foundation for understanding the development of German-speaking culture and society of the last 250 years. Second, students will learn the art of reading and interpreting literary texts. They will learn to apply basic methods of literary criticism as a way of uncovering the multiple layers of meaning present in literary works. Third, students will increase their oral and written proficiency in German, expand their vocabulary, and improve their ability to think critically in the target language.

Therefore, as a result of this course, you will...

    · be able to identify the characteristics of the main literary movements from the Enlightenment to the mid-20th century.
    · be able to specify the ideological foundations and socio-political contexts of the various works and periods within a European context.
    · be able to identify specific literary genres and aesthetic techniques and recognize the relationship between the form and function of literary texts.
    · recognize the presence and validity of multiple perspectives in literary works and be able to apply methods of literary criticism and critical theory to uncover diverse meanings in texts.
    · establish a foundation for reading and understanding other historical and cultural documents, both literary and non-literary, both German and non-German.
    · improve your fluency in German by expanding your vocabulary and fine-tuning your writing, reading, conversational, and critical thinking skills in German.


Materials: These texts are available for purchase at the AS. Bookstore or online at http://www.ibiService.com:
    Droste-Hülshoff, Annette. “Die Judenbuche.” Stuttgart: Reclam, latest ed.
    Dürrenmatt, Friedrich. Die Physiker. Diogenes, latest ed.
    Heine, Heinrich. Die Harzreise. Stuttgart: Reclam, latest ed.
    Goethe, Johann Wolfgang. Die Leiden des jungen Werther. Stuttgart: Reclam, latest ed.
    Grimm, Jakob und Wilhelm. Ausgewählte Kinder- und Hausmärchen. Stuttgart: Reclam, latest ed.
    Hauptmann, Gerhart. Vor Sonnenaufgang. Ullstein Taschenbücher, latest ed.
    Kafka, Franz. Das Urteil und andere Erzählungen. Frankfurt a.M.: Fischer, latest ed.
    Keller, Gottfried. “Romeo und Julia auf dem Dorfe.” Stuttgart: Reclam, latest ed.
    Lessing, Gotthold Ephraim. Emilia Galotti. Stuttgart: Reclam, latest ed.
    Seghers, Anna. Der Ausflug der toten Mädchen. Berlin: Aufbau, latest ed.
    Tieck, Ludwig. Der gestiefelte Kater. Stuttgart: Reclam, latest ed.
In Meriam Library:
   Reference works (in the Reference Section, 2nd Floor):
    The Oxford Companion to German Literature. PT 41 G37
    Frenzel, H.A. und E. Daten deutscher Dichtung. PT 103 F7 1971
    Reallexikon der deutschen Literaturgeschichte. 3 vols. PT 41 R42
    Deutsche Literaturgeschichte: von den Anfängen bis zur Gegenwart. PT 85 D37
    Cassell’s German Dictionary, German-English English-German PF 3640 B453 1978
    Stilwörterbuch der deutschen Sprache. Duden, vol. 2. PF 3628 G7 1963
   On reserve:
    A Concise History of German Literature to 1900. Ed. Kim Vivan. PT 91 C66 1992
    Tieck, Ludwig. Der gestiefelte Kater. PT 41 R42
    Lessing, G.E. Nathan der Weise, Minna von Barnhelm, and..... PT 2403 A1 D4 1991
Secondary literature and additional text excerpts will be distrubuted and/or made available in the limited loan area of Meriam Library as the semester progresses.


Grades & Expectations: Course grades will be based on the following criteria:

Participation and oral presentations (Referate) (25%)
    Regular attendance is expected. Students should come to class prepared and participate actively in discussions and group work. Contributions should be substantive (i.e. not disruptive). In addition, each student will make at least 2 5- to 10-min. oral presentations during the semester. Should a student miss a class due to illness or unforeseen circumstances, s/he carries the responsibility for making up the material and assignments missed.
Written Homework Assignments (25%)
    Students will complete several short writing assignments in German pertaining to readings. Students will be forgiven 2 assignments, i.e., they may choose to skip 2 written assignments during the semester. In this case, the student should hand in a piece of paper in lieu of the assignment stating that s/he is using a free assignment.
Exams (25%)
    There will be 2 take-home tests, one in the 8th week and one in the 14th week. Details about each exam will be given later in the semester.
Final Paper and Presentation (25%)
    Students will write a 5-7 page paper on a work of German literature we did not read during the semester. The paper should place the work in its historical and ideological context. During the final exam period, each student will present a summary of his/her findings to the class. A list of works and more information about the paper and presentation will be distributed mid-semester.

ALLES GUTE ZUM SEMESTERBEGINN!


 California State University, Chico

HOME | SEARCH | E-MAIL | CATALOG | SCHEDULE | LIBRARY | HELP