Module GERM3131: THE (AUTO) BIOGRAPHICAL TURN IN GERMAN LITERATURE

Department: Modern Language and Cultures (German)

GERM3131: THE (AUTO) BIOGRAPHICAL TURN IN GERMAN LITERATURE

Prerequisites

• German Language 2 (GERM2021) or German Language 2 and Year Abroad (GERM2111), or an equivalent qualification to the satisfaction of the Chairman/Chairwoman of the Board of Studies in MLAC or his/her representative.

Corequisites

• Modern European Languages, Combined Honours and all Joint and 'with' programmes: German Language 4 (GERM3071). Other: see Chairman/Chairwoman of the Board of Studies in MLAC or his/her reprentative.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• To examine the reasons for the increased interest in questions of biography and autobiography in German-language literature of the 1970s and early 1980s, and to explore the way in which the texts problematise the epistemological and representational aspects of personal identity and of historical knowledge.

Content

• Background study concerning literary trends in the post-war period, especially those of the post-1968 era.
• a theoretical component involving a study of recent historiography and identity theory.
• and the detailed analysis of selected texts, of which the following list is provisional: Dieter K_apos;N' and 'Josephine: Aus dem _ntlichen Leben der Josephine Baker', Wolfgang Hildesheimer, 'Marbot: Eine Biographie', Max Frisch, 'Montauk', Thomas Bernhard, 'Die Ursache.
• Eine Andeutung', Peter Handke, 'Wunschloses Ungl_eter H_ling, 'Nachgetragene Liebe'.

Learning Outcomes

• By the end of this module students should be able to demonstrate a greater awareness of the problems involved in writing and reading biography and autobiography. These include the problems of knowledge, narrativity, and identity. They should also be equipped with the conceptual tools necessary for analysing complex (auto-)biographical texts.

• Witten argumentation and presentation.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• The course is taught by means of a weekly 2-hour seminar. This module is taught and examined in English
• Students are required to attend all seminars and expected to prepare themselves for classes and participate actively in discussion.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

2 essays.

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University