Professor Herbst
German 16:470:670
Fall 2004
Tuesdays 4:30-7:10
Room 204, 64 College Ave.

Office: Mo 2.30-3.00 + app.
Tu 4.00-4.30 + app.
We 12.30-1.00 + app.

Taught in German; required texts in German. However, English translations should be readily available for those who would want an English language "backup."

This topics seminar will deal with the work of Heinrich von Kleist (1777-1811) who -posthumously - has been found to be one of the most important German authors. His oeuvre is substantial, but relatively small, since he had only ca. ten years to create his body of work. We will read three of the six finished dramas (one comedy, one tragedy, one "Schauspiel"), all eight novellas, the essay "Über das Marionettentheater" and (as xerox copies) a selection of his letters and journalistic work.

You are expected to familiarize yourself with pertinent secondary literature on your own and add your knowledge and enhanced insight for the benefit of all during discussions.

My approach to this seminar will most closely be characterized by what Jost Hermand calls the "synthetic method of interpretation," i.e., a close reading of Kleist's most fascinating texts while at the same time paying attention to the historical, political, and sociological background of his times. In addition, we will use a collection of essays edited by David Wellbery Positionen der Literaturwissenschaft: Acht Modellanalysen am Beispiel von Kleists "Das Erdbeben in Chili." This will allow us not only to grasp one of Kleist's works more thoroughly, but also to gain insight into the rich, often contradicting multiplicity of contemporary literary criticism.

The works to be read are each not very long, but Kleist's incredibly compact and splendid language is not suited to be read in a hurry. Calculate the time you will need to truly get a grasp on a given work realistically. You must read all works at least twice and mark the texts (with pencil) for quick reference in class.

In addition to the texts we will integrate three to four films into our discussions. Mutually agreeable details will be worked out.

There will be no midterm and no final exam for this seminar, however, spread over the course of the semester the following:
1. One 60 min. test in class, based on four of six questions; two to be answered in German, two in English.
2. One short take-home essay of 5-6 pages based on one of three topics given by me.
3. One seminar paper of ca. 15-20 pages plus bibliography. This paper has to utilize secondary literature and follow the MLA Style Sheet exactly. You will phrase your own thesis to be approved by me ahead of time. Language of the seminar paper: German or English. Try your very best to avoid an incomplete!