This module examines the major themes in German literary culture during a key period of its development, from the formation of Germany as a nation in 1871 to the downfall of the Empire following World War I. During this era of accelerated modernisation in a patriarchal and militaristic state, authors reflected in new and often radical ways the complexity of the relationship between self and society. Gender roles, class positions, sexuality, the impact of new technologies and competing notions of identity were the subject of intense inquiry in the social sciences and the arts, and it is on those aspects on which this module focuses.
We also explore the relationship between literary form and identity by exploring complexities in narrative and form from Naturalism (Hauptmann) through Expressionism (poetry) to the honed style of Thomas Mann to the 'New Objectivity' of Irmgard Keun.

Aims of the module

This module aims to provide students with a thorough understanding of key themes in modernity in Germany, so that they understand literary movements and authors in their social contexts, and explore the relationship between modernity and developments in literary form. It cultivates skills of literary analysis through close textual readings. It also aims to (1) enhance students' analytical abilities through the study of primary literature and selected theoretical texts, (2) develop students' presentation skills through class presentations, and develop students' research and essay writing skills, (3) further students' understanding of the relationship between literature and society, in particular the location of cultural products within a social and political context, (4) extend students' understanding of the development of German society.

Texts you will study include