German

A course designed to explore the nature of contemporary fiction of extraordinary merit as well as the cultural politics and economics of prize-winning itself. Among German-speaking recipients on the world literature stage are Elfriede Jelinek (2004), Günter Grass (1999), Heinrich Böll (1972), Hermann Hesse (1946), Thomas Mann (1929), and Gerhard Hauptmann (1912). A selection of their major works will be analyzed as an artistic reflection of their socio-critical thoughts on German culture, history, and identity. Special attention will be paid on the way the Nobel prize has been awarded in specific historical situations, recognizing a particular kind of voice at a given moment in history. Conducted in English. Texts are read in English translation. Open to students who have completed at least 30 ch of university courses or by permission of the instructor.