Literatur- und Kulturwissenschaftlicher Grundkurs I - Single View

The introduction to literary and cultural studies is one basic part of the Grundlagenmodul “Foundations for the Study of English Language, Literature and Culture” and will extend over two semesters (Grundkurs 1 and Grundkurs 2). The module will be concluded with a written exam (Modulabschlussklausur) after the second semester (SS 2009) in which the material taught in the introductions to linguistics and the history of the English language will likewise be examined.

Grundkurs 1 intends to teach students how to look at, deal with, and talk about literature professionally. This goal involves that students recognise interconnections between literature and culture, learn about classifications of texts, and become familiar with the scholarly terminology appropriate for this discipline. Thus, in addition to presenting basic possibilities of defining literature, culture, text, and medium, the course will focus on the constitutent and characteristic elements of literary genres and their forms of reception, the history and canonisation of literature as well as the reliability and authenticity of printed texts. The theoretical introductions to these aspects will be supported and illustrated by examples from a variety of primary works (lyric and epic poems, narrative texts, and plays).

In order to stimulate and assist students’ independent concern with literary and cultural studies, the course will acquaint the participants with relevant research tools (printed as well as electronic versions).

---- PLEASE NOTE THAT THE FIRST SESSION FOR THIS COURSE WILL BE HELD ON OCTOBER 20, 2009! ----