NEW COURSE NEW COURSE NEW COURSE

Fall 2015

Instructor: Dr. Glowa email:

Office: Gruening 609A Hours: MWF 12:30-2:00 pm

German 432: Studies of German Literature

German Theater after WW II

TTH 2:00 – 3:30 – Place: 614 E

This course aims to provide students with an in-depth study of trends in German-speaking theater from the end of WW II to the late Eighties of the 20th century. We will thoroughly examine selected plays and read a variety of theoretical texts in order to get a better understanding of German-speaking theater and of the socio-historical context in which playwrights worked in the second half of the 20th century. Handouts, books on reserve, and the use of the internet will complement our study of the development of modern German theater from the end of World War II to the reunification of Germany. Selected German movies relevant to the course's central theme will also be shown and discussed. Apart from some theoretical works in English, course work, class discussion and dramatic readings will be entirely conducted in German.

The following texts will either be read in full or as excerpts:

Borchert. Draussen vor der Tür

Max Frisch. Andorra

Bertolt Brecht. Mutter Courage

Peter Weiss. Die Verfolgung und Ermordung des Jean-Paul Marat

Handke. Publikumsbeschimpfung und andere Sprechstücke

Marie Luise Fleisser. Fegefeuer in Ingolstadt

Elfriede Jelinek. Präsident Abendwind

Thomas Bernhard. Heldenplatz

Botho Strauss. Groß und Klein

Course Objectives

Students will

·  develop a broad knowledge of German-speaking theater and its evolution during the second half of the 20th century

·  appreciate and analyze critically the content and form of German theater forms from the end of WW I I until the Fall of the Wall

·  understand the links between dramatic works/performance and society at large

·  apply, expand, and improve language skills and analytical strategies acquired in previous German courses

Evaluation

Grades will be based upon three papers, the average of two oral presentations, attendance, and two exams.

3 Papers (first 5 %, second 15%, third 25 %) 45 %

2 Oral presentations (in German, app. 15-20 min.) 15 %

Participation 20 %

4 short tests 20 %

Papers must be written in German. All papers must be double-spaced and use Times Font or similar one, size 12. The first paper should be 2 pages, the second 5, the third 10 pages, plus bibliography. Drafts are required for the 2nd and 3rd paper. All papers should be written according to the MLA Style Manual and Guide to Scholarly Publishing, or The Chicago Manual of Style : The Essential Guide for Writers, Editors, and Publishers. I expect papers to address some of the key issues regarding topics and the texts read throughout the semester. The tests will include itemized and short essay-type questions.

Some Remarks on the Oral Presentations
Each oral presentation should be app. 15-20 minutes. I will indicate the topics for these presentations. There will be a discussion after each presentation. If you have any problems with your presentation, please come and see me, so I can help you.
How to prepare for oral presentations? Use the works on reserve or relevant websites. The presentations should no be read but presented lively with the help of notes. Prepare handouts with important information; use the board or POWERPOINT.

Ground Rules

Attendance Policy: Attendance is mandatory and will be taken at each class meeting. If you miss more than two classes without a valid, documented excuse, your final grade will be negatively affected. Eight unexcused absences is an automatic fail for the course. No make-up test will be given for unexcused absences. If you must miss a class, whether for family emergency, illness, or religious holidays, please notify me in advance by phone or email. Medical excuses must be documented. You are still responsible for the material covered in class when you do not attend.

Classroom Etiquette

¨  No chewing gum, food, or beverages! You will need to be able to speak clearly and loudly, free of any interference.

¨  No pagers and cell phones!

Honor Code

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Exercise high ethical standards. High ethical standards are expected in this class. The standards in this class adhere to the UAF Honor Code (p. 52, 2012 -2013 UAF Catalog). The common guidelines regarding academic integrity are:

1. Students will not collaborate on any quizzes, in-class exams, or take-home exams that will contribute to their grade in a course, unless permission is granted by the instructor of the course. Only those materials permitted by the instructor may be used to assist in quizzes and examinations.

2. Students will not represent the work of others as their own. A student will attribute the source of information not original with himself or herself (direct quotes or paraphrases) in compositions, theses and other reports.

3. No work submitted for one course may be submitted for credit in another course without the explicit approval of both instructors.

Accommodation

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If you have a disability and require any auxiliary aids, services or accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact me after class, see me in the my office, or call me during the first few weeks of the semester so we can talk about your particular situation. Early attention to specific accommodation needs provides enough time for any necessary planning or preparation.

Note: I reserve the right to make appropriate changes to this syllabus whenever necessary.

Viel Erfolg und gute Zusammenarbeit im neuen Semester!

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