GERMAN 423 A: Studies In Twentieth-Century Literature And Culture:

Ever since Robinson Crusoe found himself stranded on a deserted island, modern writers of fiction have been captivated by reimagining the adventure story. Who are its heroes and heroines, its villains and sorcerers? In an age when the sky is no longer the limit, what are the locations appropriate to the new adventure? Is it space, the sea, the road, or the subject’s own mind? Most important, what constitutes an adventure, and is it still possible? Or are they purely imaginary and virtual? These are some of the questions we will pursue in this course. To do so, we will focus on German fiction from the 20^th and 21^st centuries that re-envisions the adventure story in unexpected and exciting ways. Students can expect to broaden their historical knowledge of German literature and culture and to develop critical reading and writing strategies with regard to  longer and more complex texts in German. Texts by Arthur Schnitzler, Wolfgang Herrndorf, Judith Schalansky, Christian Kracht, Karen Duve and others. Readings in German, discussion in German and English.