Germanic Languages and Literatures
The Department of Germanic Languages and Literatures offers language courses in German, Dutch, Finnish, Swedish, and Yiddish. The department also offers courses in German literature, Scandinavian literature, Weimar cinema, Scandinavian drama and film, Goethe, and Kafka.
For questions about specific courses, contact the department.
Conversation Courses
Students who wish intensive oral practice in German may take, in addition to Language Laboratory work, one of the 2-point conversation courses offered as parallels to the elementary and intermediate courses.
For questions about specific courses, contact the department.
Courses
Although the first volume of the Grimms’ Children Stories and Household Tales was published more than 200 years ago, their fairy tales continue to enchant readers. In this course we will not only study the Grimms’ fairy tales themselves, but also examine their origins and their social, ideological, and political contexts in 19th-century Europe. We will work with fairy tale theory (narrative, psychoanalytic, historical) and discuss the function of the tales as folklore as well as their status as children’s literature. Alongside the “original” Grimms’ tales—a concept that we will discuss—a major portion of the course will engage the legacy of the fairy tales and the way they have been appropriated by others, particularly from a critical, feminist perspective.
Points of emphasis will include: how writers in the first half of the 20th century politicized the tales in the battle for social change during the time of the Weimar Republic and Nazi Germany; how the tales were reinterpreted in different national traditions and historical periods; how the fairy tale become a mass culture icon in Disney’s film versions; and how contemporary writers like Margaret Atwood continue to employ tales in questioning and challenging traditional constructions of gender.
Course Number
CLGR3000W001Format
In-PersonPoints
3 ptsFall 2022
Times/Location
Mo 13:10-14:25We 13:10-14:25Section/Call Number
001/11947Enrollment
48 of 50Instructor
Annie PfeiferAlthough the first volume of the Grimms’ Children Stories and Household Tales was published more than 200 years ago, their fairy tales continue to enchant readers. In this course we will not only study the Grimms’ fairy tales themselves, but also examine their origins and their social, ideological, and political contexts in 19th-century Europe. We will work with fairy tale theory (narrative, psychoanalytic, historical) and discuss the function of the tales as folklore as well as their status as children’s literature. Alongside the “original” Grimms’ tales—a concept that we will discuss—a major portion of the course will engage the legacy of the fairy tales and the way they have been appropriated by others, particularly from a critical, feminist perspective.
Points of emphasis will include: how writers in the first half of the 20th century politicized the tales in the battle for social change during the time of the Weimar Republic and Nazi Germany; how the tales were reinterpreted in different national traditions and historical periods; how the fairy tale become a mass culture icon in Disney’s film versions; and how contemporary writers like Margaret Atwood continue to employ tales in questioning and challenging traditional constructions of gender.
Course Number
CLGR3000WAU1Format
In-PersonPoints
0 ptsFall 2022
Times/Location
Mo 13:10-14:25We 13:10-14:25Section/Call Number
AU1/18516Enrollment
0 of 5Instructor
Annie PfeiferComparative media is an emergent approach intended to draw upon and interrupt canonical ideas in film and media theory. It adopts a comparative approach to media as machines and aesthetic practices by examining contemporary media in relation to the introduction of earlier technologies. The class also extends our focus beyond the U.S. and Europe by examining other cultural locations of media innovation and appropriation. In doing so, it decenters normative assumptions about media and media theory while introducing students to a range of media practices past and present.
Course Number
CMPM8483G001Format
In-PersonPoints
4 ptsFall 2022
Times/Location
Th 14:10-16:00Section/Call Number
001/12237Enrollment
0 of 20Instructor
Noam ElcottRosalind MorrisCourse Number
DTCH1101W001Format
In-PersonPoints
4 ptsFall 2022
Times/Location
Mo 18:10-20:00We 18:10-20:00Section/Call Number
001/11948Enrollment
19 of 18Instructor
Wijnie de GrootCourse Number
DTCH1101W002Format
In-PersonPoints
4 ptsFall 2022
Times/Location
Tu 14:10-16:00Th 14:10-16:00Section/Call Number
002/11949Enrollment
10 of 15Instructor
Pieter LauwaertCourse Number
DTCH2101W001Format
In-PersonPoints
4 ptsFall 2022
Times/Location
Mo 16:10-18:00We 16:10-18:00Section/Call Number
001/11950Enrollment
16 of 18Instructor
Wijnie de GrootThis advanced course is a content-based language course, and is centered around the history of the Low Countries. Each week focuses on a specific era, such as the counts of Holland in the 13th century and the Reformation in the 16th century. Students will read texts about history and literature of the historical periods.
Students will read texts at home and discuss them in class, explore history-related websites and watch short video clips.
Attention will be paid to advanced grammar issues and vocabulary.
Course Number
DTCH3101W001Format
In-PersonPoints
3 ptsFall 2022
Times/Location
Mo 13:15-14:30We 13:15-14:30Section/Call Number
001/11951Enrollment
0 of 18Instructor
Wijnie de GrootCourse Number
FINN1101W001Format
In-PersonPoints
4 ptsFall 2022
Times/Location
Tu 17:10-19:00Th 17:10-19:00Section/Call Number
001/11975Enrollment
2 of 18Instructor
Heli SirvioeUpon completion of the course, students understand, speak, read, and write German at a level enabling them to communicate with native speakers about their background, family, daily activities, student life, work, and living quarters. Emphasis is placed on acquiring the four language skills--listening, speaking, reading and writing--within a cultural context. Daily assignments and consistent work are necessary in order to achieve basic communicative proficiency. Daily assignments and consistent work are the basis for achieving basic communicative proficiency.
Course Number
GERM1101V001Format
In-PersonPoints
4 ptsFall 2022
Times/Location
Tu 08:40-09:55Th 08:40-09:55Fr 08:40-09:55Section/Call Number
001/11952Enrollment
5 of 15Instructor
Iloe ArissUpon completion of the course, students understand, speak, read, and write German at a level enabling them to communicate with native speakers about their background, family, daily activities, student life, work, and living quarters. Emphasis is placed on acquiring the four language skills--listening, speaking, reading and writing--within a cultural context. Daily assignments and consistent work are necessary in order to achieve basic communicative proficiency. Daily assignments and consistent work are the basis for achieving basic communicative proficiency.
Course Number
GERM1101V002Format
In-PersonPoints
4 ptsFall 2022
Times/Location
Mo 11:40-12:55Tu 11:40-12:55Th 11:40-12:55Section/Call Number
002/11953Enrollment
6 of 15Instructor
Romney Walker WoodUpon completion of the course, students understand, speak, read, and write German at a level enabling them to communicate with native speakers about their background, family, daily activities, student life, work, and living quarters. Emphasis is placed on acquiring the four language skills--listening, speaking, reading and writing--within a cultural context. Daily assignments and consistent work are necessary in order to achieve basic communicative proficiency. Daily assignments and consistent work are the basis for achieving basic communicative proficiency.
Course Number
GERM1101V003Format
In-PersonPoints
4 ptsFall 2022
Times/Location
Mo 14:40-15:55We 14:40-15:55Th 14:40-15:55Section/Call Number
003/11954Enrollment
9 of 15Instructor
Jutta Schmiers-HellerUpon completion of the course, students understand, speak, read, and write German at a level enabling them to communicate with native speakers about their background, family, daily activities, student life, work, and living quarters. Emphasis is placed on acquiring the four language skills--listening, speaking, reading and writing--within a cultural context. Daily assignments and consistent work are necessary in order to achieve basic communicative proficiency. Daily assignments and consistent work are the basis for achieving basic communicative proficiency.
Course Number
GERM1101V004Format
In-PersonPoints
4 ptsFall 2022
Times/Location
Tu 18:10-20:00Th 18:10-20:00Section/Call Number
004/11956Enrollment
6 of 15Instructor
Young NaUpon completion of the course, students understand, speak, read, and write German at a level enabling them to communicate with native speakers about their background, family, daily activities, student life, work, and living quarters. Emphasis is placed on acquiring the four language skills--listening, speaking, reading and writing--within a cultural context. Daily assignments and consistent work are necessary in order to achieve basic communicative proficiency. Daily assignments and consistent work are the basis for achieving basic communicative proficiency.
Course Number
GERM1101V005Format
In-PersonPoints
4 ptsFall 2022
Times/Location
Mo 18:10-20:00We 18:10-20:00Section/Call Number
005/11957Enrollment
9 of 15Instructor
Evan ParksPrerequisites: GERM UN1101 or the equivalent. Students expand their communication skills to include travel, storytelling, personal well-being, basic economics, and recent historical events. Emphasis is placed on acquiring the four language skills--listening, speaking, reading and writing--within a cultural context. Daily assignments and consistent work are necessary in order to achieve basic communicative proficiency.
Course Number
GERM1102V001Format
In-PersonPoints
4 ptsFall 2022
Times/Location
Mo 11:40-12:55We 11:40-12:55Th 11:40-12:55Section/Call Number
001/11958Enrollment
6 of 15Instructor
Simona VaideanPrerequisites: GERM UN1101 or the equivalent. Students expand their communication skills to include travel, storytelling, personal well-being, basic economics, and recent historical events. Emphasis is placed on acquiring the four language skills--listening, speaking, reading and writing--within a cultural context. Daily assignments and consistent work are necessary in order to achieve basic communicative proficiency.
Course Number
GERM1102V002Format
In-PersonPoints
4 ptsFall 2022
Times/Location
Mo 14:40-15:55We 14:40-15:55Th 14:40-15:55Section/Call Number
002/11959Enrollment
10 of 15Instructor
Simona VaideanPrerequisites: GERM UN1101 or the equivalent. Students expand their communication skills to include travel, storytelling, personal well-being, basic economics, and recent historical events. Emphasis is placed on acquiring the four language skills--listening, speaking, reading and writing--within a cultural context. Daily assignments and consistent work are necessary in order to achieve basic communicative proficiency.
Course Number
GERM1102V003Format
In-PersonPoints
4 ptsFall 2022
Times/Location
Tu 18:10-20:00Th 18:10-20:00Section/Call Number
003/11960Enrollment
5 of 15Instructor
Maiken KaczmarPrerequisites: GERM UN1102 or the equivalent.
Intermediate German UN2101 is conducted entirely in German and emphasizes the four basic language skills, cultural awareness, and critical thinking. A wide range of topics (from politics and poetry to art) as well as authentic materials (texts, film, art, etc.) are used to improve the 4 skills. Practice in conversation aims at enlarging the vocabulary necessary for daily communication. Grammar is practiced in the context of the topics. Learning and evaluation are individualized (individual vocabulary lists, essays, oral presentations, final portfolio) and project-based (group work and final group project).
Course Number
GERM2101V001Format
In-PersonPoints
4 ptsFall 2022
Times/Location
Mo 08:40-09:55Tu 08:40-09:55Th 08:40-09:55Section/Call Number
001/11962Enrollment
0 of 15Instructor
. FACULTYPrerequisites: GERM UN1102 or the equivalent.
Intermediate German UN2101 is conducted entirely in German and emphasizes the four basic language skills, cultural awareness, and critical thinking. A wide range of topics (from politics and poetry to art) as well as authentic materials (texts, film, art, etc.) are used to improve the 4 skills. Practice in conversation aims at enlarging the vocabulary necessary for daily communication. Grammar is practiced in the context of the topics. Learning and evaluation are individualized (individual vocabulary lists, essays, oral presentations, final portfolio) and project-based (group work and final group project).
Course Number
GERM2101V002Format
In-PersonPoints
4 ptsFall 2022
Times/Location
Mo 10:10-11:25We 10:10-11:25Th 10:10-11:25Section/Call Number
002/11963Enrollment
9 of 15Instructor
Simona VaideanPrerequisites: GERM UN1102 or the equivalent.
Intermediate German UN2101 is conducted entirely in German and emphasizes the four basic language skills, cultural awareness, and critical thinking. A wide range of topics (from politics and poetry to art) as well as authentic materials (texts, film, art, etc.) are used to improve the 4 skills. Practice in conversation aims at enlarging the vocabulary necessary for daily communication. Grammar is practiced in the context of the topics. Learning and evaluation are individualized (individual vocabulary lists, essays, oral presentations, final portfolio) and project-based (group work and final group project).
Course Number
GERM2101V003Format
In-PersonPoints
4 ptsFall 2022
Times/Location
Mo 11:40-12:55We 11:40-12:55Th 11:40-12:55Section/Call Number
003/11964Enrollment
9 of 15Instructor
Carl ClaussenPrerequisites: GERM UN1102 or the equivalent.
Intermediate German UN2101 is conducted entirely in German and emphasizes the four basic language skills, cultural awareness, and critical thinking. A wide range of topics (from politics and poetry to art) as well as authentic materials (texts, film, art, etc.) are used to improve the 4 skills. Practice in conversation aims at enlarging the vocabulary necessary for daily communication. Grammar is practiced in the context of the topics. Learning and evaluation are individualized (individual vocabulary lists, essays, oral presentations, final portfolio) and project-based (group work and final group project).
Course Number
GERM2101V004Points
4 ptsFall 2022
Times/Location
Tu 18:10-20:00Th 18:10-20:00Section/Call Number
004/00112Enrollment
6 of 15Instructor
Irene MotylPrerequisites: GERM UN2101 or the equivalent.
Intermediate German UN2102 is conducted entirely in German and emphasizes the four basic language skills, cultural awareness, and critical thinking. A wide range of topics (from politics and poetry to art) as well as authentic materials (texts, film, art, etc.) are used to improve the 4 skill. Practice in conversation aims at enlarging the vocabulary necessary for daily communication. Grammar is practiced in the context of the topics. Learning and evaluation are individualized (individual vocabulary lists, essays, oral presentations, final portfolio) and project-based (group work and final group project).
Course Number
GERM2102V001Format
In-PersonPoints
4 ptsFall 2022
Times/Location
Mo 11:40-12:55We 11:40-12:55Th 11:40-12:55Section/Call Number
001/12682Enrollment
8 of 15Instructor
Uta HabbigPrerequisites: GERM UN2101 or the equivalent.
Intermediate German UN2102 is conducted entirely in German and emphasizes the four basic language skills, cultural awareness, and critical thinking. A wide range of topics (from politics and poetry to art) as well as authentic materials (texts, film, art, etc.) are used to improve the 4 skill. Practice in conversation aims at enlarging the vocabulary necessary for daily communication. Grammar is practiced in the context of the topics. Learning and evaluation are individualized (individual vocabulary lists, essays, oral presentations, final portfolio) and project-based (group work and final group project).
Course Number
GERM2102V002Format
In-PersonPoints
4 ptsFall 2022
Times/Location
Tu 18:10-20:00Th 18:10-20:00Section/Call Number
002/12683Enrollment
8 of 15Instructor
Laura TedfordAn intensive study of key features of German grammar, with an emphasis on skill-building exercises and practical solutions to common problems of writing and speaking on the intermediate level; aims at building confidence in using simple and more complex sentence structures.
Course Number
GERM2210X001Points
2 ptsFall 2022
Times/Location
We 16:10-17:25Section/Call Number
001/00109Enrollment
2 of 12Instructor
Irene MotylAn intensive study of key features of German grammar, with an emphasis on skill-building exercises and practical solutions to common problems of writing and speaking on the intermediate level; aims at building confidence in using simple and more complex sentence structures. For an additional point, students will hand in a weekly 150-200 word summary in German in which they highlight what they have learned, explain the rules and applications of the linguistic feature on hand. In the last portion of the summary students will reflect on their learning process during each week to document their progress. Individual meetings with the Professor to clarify and practice student specific grammar issues will be scheduled.
Course Number
GERM2212X001Points
3 ptsFall 2022
Times/Location
We 16:10-17:25Section/Call Number
001/00110Enrollment
2 of 12Instructor
Irene MotylPrerequisites: Completion of GERM UN1101 and UN1102 or the equivalent
This 2-point conversation group is designed for students who are now taking Intermediate German UN2101 or who wish to maintain their spoken German at least at the advanced intermediate level. The course is designed to improve your ability to speak and understand and manage German in everyday situations; to provide opportunities to participate in conversational situations on any topics you are interested in; to strengthen and acquire skills to understand German spoken at normal conversational speed; to expand active and passive vocabularies speaking skills; and to maintain a certain level of written German through short written activities. This course does not count towards the language requirement.
Course Number
GERM2521W001Format
In-PersonPoints
2 ptsFall 2022
Times/Location
Mo 18:10-19:25We 18:10-19:25Section/Call Number
001/11965Enrollment
4 of 15Instructor
Didi TalPrerequisites: GERM UN2102 or the Director of the German Language Program's permission.
German UN3001 is an ambitious socio-cultural exploration of Berlin. Designed to follow up the language skills acquired in first- and second-year language courses (or the equivalent thereof), this course gives students greater proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing German while focusing on topics from German society today through German newspapers and periodicals through the lens of Germany’s capital, Berlin. The course represents a gateway class to literature courses.
This course counts towards the major and concentration.
Course Number
GERM3001V001Format
In-PersonPoints
3 ptsFall 2022
Times/Location
Mo 11:40-12:55We 11:40-12:55Section/Call Number
001/11966Enrollment
12 of 15Instructor
Jutta Schmiers-HellerCourse Number
GERM3010X001Format
In-PersonPoints
3 ptsFall 2022
Times/Location
Tu 16:10-17:25Th 16:10-17:25Section/Call Number
001/00714Enrollment
7 of 15Instructor
Irene MotylCourse Number
GERM3224X001Points
3 ptsFall 2022
Times/Location
Tu 10:10-11:25Th 10:10-11:25Section/Call Number
001/00090Enrollment
0 of 15Instructor
Erk GrimmCourse Number
GERM3333W001Format
In-PersonPoints
3 ptsFall 2022
Times/Location
Mo 10:10-11:25We 10:10-11:25Section/Call Number
001/11967Enrollment
13 of 25Instructor
Dorothea von MueckeCourse Number
GERM3333WAU1Format
In-PersonPoints
0 ptsFall 2022
Times/Location
Mo 10:10-11:25We 10:10-11:25Section/Call Number
AU1/18517Enrollment
0 of 2Instructor
Dorothea von MueckePrerequisite OR Corequisite: GERMUN3333
This class will provide an introduction to the rich and varied forms of literary production between 1750 and 1900 by focusing on the culture of Sensibility, the Enlightenment, Storm and Stress, Romanticism, the “Vormärz” and Realism. We will situate major literary innovations of the 18th century in the context of changing reading and theater cultures and focus primarily on Lessing’s innovative domestic tragedy, and on poems and an epistolary novel by Goethe. Then we will discuss the literary production of the 19th century by analyzing changing concepts of art, music and literature during those times of great social and political change. We will study (and translate) poems, and read pamphlets and novellas by Tieck, Kleist, Hölderlin, Novalis, Brentano, Eichendorff, Günderrode, Droste-Hülshoff, Heine, Büchner, Mörike, Keller and Fontane.
**This course is taught entirely in German.
Course Number
GERM3442W001Format
In-PersonPoints
3 ptsFall 2022
Times/Location
Mo 16:10-17:25We 16:10-17:25Section/Call Number
001/12574Enrollment
8 of 25Instructor
Dorothea von MueckePrerequisite OR Corequisite: GERMUN3333
This class will provide an introduction to the rich and varied forms of literary production between 1750 and 1900 by focusing on the culture of Sensibility, the Enlightenment, Storm and Stress, Romanticism, the “Vormärz” and Realism. We will situate major literary innovations of the 18th century in the context of changing reading and theater cultures and focus primarily on Lessing’s innovative domestic tragedy, and on poems and an epistolary novel by Goethe. Then we will discuss the literary production of the 19th century by analyzing changing concepts of art, music and literature during those times of great social and political change. We will study (and translate) poems, and read pamphlets and novellas by Tieck, Kleist, Hölderlin, Novalis, Brentano, Eichendorff, Günderrode, Droste-Hülshoff, Heine, Büchner, Mörike, Keller and Fontane.
**This course is taught entirely in German.
Course Number
GERM3442WAU1Format
In-PersonPoints
0 ptsFall 2022
Times/Location
Mo 16:10-17:25We 16:10-17:25Section/Call Number
AU1/18518Enrollment
0 of 2Instructor
Dorothea von MueckeThis seminar gives in-depth consideration to shifting ideas and paradigms about race in German culture by tracing their associations with colonialism, slavery, eugenics, Nazism, and the contemporary rise of right-wing populism. In order to explore these evolving and sometimes interrelated notions of race and racism, this seminar brings together a study of anti-Semitism, anti-Blackness, Islamophobia, and other forms of racism. In addition to its study of prejudice, this seminar examines the experiences of minoritized communities in the German-speaking world. How do “non-white” Germans challenge German historical narratives and models of identity? How do discourses of race, discrimination, and solidarity politics contribute to contemporary understandings and misunderstandings of racism in Germany?
Course Number
GERM4141W001Format
In-PersonPoints
3 ptsFall 2022
Times/Location
Tu 14:10-16:00Section/Call Number
001/13947Enrollment
6 of 25Instructor
Annie PfeiferThis seminar gives in-depth consideration to shifting ideas and paradigms about race in German culture by tracing their associations with colonialism, slavery, eugenics, Nazism, and the contemporary rise of right-wing populism. In order to explore these evolving and sometimes interrelated notions of race and racism, this seminar brings together a study of anti-Semitism, anti-Blackness, Islamophobia, and other forms of racism. In addition to its study of prejudice, this seminar examines the experiences of minoritized communities in the German-speaking world. How do “non-white” Germans challenge German historical narratives and models of identity? How do discourses of race, discrimination, and solidarity politics contribute to contemporary understandings and misunderstandings of racism in Germany?
Course Number
GERM4141WAU1Format
In-PersonPoints
0 ptsFall 2022
Times/Location
Tu 14:10-16:00Section/Call Number
AU1/18519Enrollment
0 of 5Instructor
Annie PfeiferCourse Number
GERM4350G001Format
In-PersonPoints
3 ptsFall 2022
Times/Location
We 14:10-16:00Section/Call Number
001/11968Enrollment
18 of 25Instructor
Claudia BregerCourse Number
GERM4670W001Format
In-PersonPoints
3 ptsFall 2022
Times/Location
Mo 12:10-14:00Section/Call Number
001/11970Enrollment
28 of 35Instructor
Oliver SimonsCourse Number
GERM8122G001Format
In-PersonPoints
3 ptsFall 2022
Times/Location
Tu 12:10-14:00Section/Call Number
001/11971Enrollment
2 of 25Instructor
Oliver SimonsCourse Number
SWED1101W001Format
In-PersonPoints
4 ptsFall 2022
Times/Location
Mo 10:10-12:00We 10:10-12:00Section/Call Number
001/11974Enrollment
8 of 18Instructor
Heli SirvioeCourse Number
SWED4998W001Format
In-PersonPoints
4 ptsFall 2022
Section/Call Number
001/16626Enrollment
1 of 2Instructor
Heli SirvioeThis course offers an introduction to the language that has been spoken by the Ashkenazi Jews for more than a millennium, and an opportunity to discover a fabulous world of Yiddish literature, language and culture in a fun way. Using games, new media, and music, we will learn how to speak, read, listen and write in a language that is considered one of the richest languages in the world (in some aspects of vocabulary). We will also venture outside the classroom to explore the Yiddish world today: through field trips to Yiddish theater, Yiddish-speaking neighborhoods, Yiddish organizations, such as YIVO or Yiddish farm, and so on. We will also have Yiddish-speaking guests and do a few digital projects. At the end of the two-semester course, you will be able to converse in Yiddish on a variety of everyday topics and read most Yiddish literary and non-literary texts. Welcome to Yiddishland!
Course Number
YIDD1101W001Format
In-PersonPoints
4 ptsFall 2022
Times/Location
Tu 12:10-14:00Th 12:10-14:00Section/Call Number
001/11972Enrollment
8 of 18Instructor
Agnieszka LegutkoThis course offers an introduction to the language that has been spoken by the Ashkenazi Jews for more than a millennium, and an opportunity to discover a fabulous world of Yiddish literature, language and culture in a fun way. Using games, new media, and music, we will learn how to speak, read, listen and write in a language that is considered one of the richest languages in the world (in some aspects of vocabulary). We will also venture outside the classroom to explore the Yiddish world today: through field trips to Yiddish theater, Yiddish-speaking neighborhoods, Yiddish organizations, such as YIVO or Yiddish farm, and so on. We will also have Yiddish-speaking guests and do a few digital projects. At the end of the two-semester course, you will be able to converse in Yiddish on a variety of everyday topics and read most Yiddish literary and non-literary texts. Welcome to Yiddishland!
Course Number
YIDD1102W001Format
In-PersonPoints
4 ptsFall 2022
Times/Location
Tu 14:10-16:00Th 14:10-16:00Section/Call Number
001/13203Enrollment
3 of 18Instructor
Agnieszka LegutkoCourse Number
YIDD3997W001Format
In-PersonPoints
6 ptsFall 2022
Section/Call Number
001/13205Enrollment
4 of 6Instructor
Agnieszka LegutkoModern Yiddish culture and literature developed and flourished in the so-called Yiddishland, a land without borders located in Eastern Europe across Poland, Russia, Ukraine, Rumania, etc. But the heart of Yiddishland was in prewar Poland: in Warsaw, Vilnius (now Lithuania), Krakow, and Lublin.
The course will center on four cities in which Yiddish culture and literature blossomed before the Holocaust, and examine key figures of modern Yiddish literature associated with these places, such as Isaac Bashevis Singer, Kadya Molodowsky, Mordechai Gebirtig, Abraham Sutzkever, Yankev Glatshtayn, and others. Employing gender and comparative approach as analytical lenses, we address the following questions: What role does space play in culture production? How does our familiarity with space impact our perception of literature and culture?
The texts and class discussion will be in English. The course will have a digital humanities component: we will engage in Mapping Yiddish Europe through Locus Tempus.