Time Schedule:
Sabina Pasic
GERMAN 293
Seattle Campus
Introduction to culture of today's German-speaking world through readings from various media and discussion of diverse manifestations of both high and popular culture, its underlying beliefs and values, and its institutions and historical background. Readings and discussions in English.
Class description
Germany in Transit: Strangers at Home and Foreigners Abroad
This course will explore contemporary German culture with an emphasis on literature and film by writers and filmmakers who offer various perspectives on migration, "multiculturalism," and national identity. The last two decades have witnessed an increasing interest in and production of migrant literature. The German debate on "multiculturalism" is current and controversial. We will be discussing the implications of "multiculturalism," and whether that is an appropriate term. Through the reading of (autobiographical) essays, short stories, and selections from novels, we will discuss how contemporary writers of both German as well as diverse ethnic backgrounds suggest alternative histories and identities to the German mainstream. How do they inform ongoing debates about citizenship, immigration and German identity? We will be looking at a range of recent cultural production by Yoko Tawada, Emine Oezdamar, W.G. Sebald, Wladimir Kaminer, and other relevant literary, filmic, and musical texts. All material and discussions will be in English.
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
Recommended preparation
Class assignments and grading
