Robert Musil’s monumental, yet unfinished novel The Man without Qualities (1930/1932) is considered one of the most complex and influential books in German literature. Focusing on the first three volumes of the book, „A Sort of Introduction“, „Pseudo Reality Prevails“ and „The Criminals“ („Into the Millenium)*, we will start with examining the novel’s genesis, structure, characters and narrative construction. Special emphasis is then put on discussing the book in the context of contemporary debates such as: the crisis of the modern novel (Adorno, Benjamin), the discussion on utopia and utopian thinking (Bloch, Mannheim), the role of the intellectual in society („Intellektuellendebatte,“ Benda, Kracauer, Mannheim), as well as the problem of urbanity (Simmel). In order to enable a more differentiated discussion we recommend that students familiarize themselves with the book before the semester starts. First-time readers are equally welcome!