German Drama (1776-1941)

Catalog description

In Georg Büchner’s Woyzeck, the eponymous character at one point says: “Every human is an abyss; one feels vertiginous when looking below.” In this course, we explore the ways in which the theatrical stage gives a wide range of outlooks and perspectives on this abyss, and how German drama has cast its characters over the centuries. To that end, we will be reading a selection of German dramatic literature (some more “canonical” plays, and others that are less so) ranging from the eighteenth through the first half of the twentieth century. There will be a focus on close reading and on exploring the language of each text, but attention will also be given to their historical context. Plays by Goethe, Schiller, Lenz, Kleist, Büchner, Else Lasker-Schüler, and Brecht. All readings, class discussions and exercises will be in German; GRMN 0500 or the equivalent is recommended as a prerequisite.