This module explores Modernism in German literature and culture from the fin-de-siècle to the early 20th century. It explores the often conflicting experience of modernity and of an accelarated society as reflected in German and Austrian literature. Special emphasis will be placed on the manner in which Modernist writers engage with pressing questions of social and personal identity, gender relations and, more generally, with the problem of the perception and representation of a complex and extremely dynamic reality. Students will undertake close readings of both written and visual sources and engage with the appropriate secondary material. The module will be taught as a mixture of lectures, held in German and introducing relevant background information and broader concepts, and weekly tutorials.
Please note that attendance at all lectures and seminars is mandatory, as class discussions benefit from continuity, and as lectures are intended to stimulate discussion. Students who have attended less than 75% of classes by the submission date for the essay in week 7 and are not able to provide a documentation of extenuating circumstances will not have their essay accepted for correction and will receive an NG grade for this assessment component.