Time Schedule:
Hellmut H Ammerlahn
GERMAN 390
Seattle Campus
Topics or figures of German literature or language.
Class description
Spring 2008 GERMAN 390, Section A: Fairy Tales
Folktales and Art Fairy Tales of Europe: Traditions, Interpretations, and Modern Transformations.
Fairy Tales enchant children and they fascinate adults, who study their deeper meaning and the impact which they have exerted on all ages and cultures. In this course we shall first explore selected “classic” folktales through their traditions and variations, as they have been collected in Italy and France, in North- and East-European countries, and by the Brothers Grimm. Then we shall turn to literary fairy tales written by well-known authors such as Hans Christian Andersen, Johann Wolfgang Goethe, Ludwig Tieck, and Oscar Wilde and examine how and for what purpose they wrote their own “art tales.”
Concentrating on the role of the imagination and the significance of the miraculous, we shall analyze recurring motifs and symbols as well as typical human and animal characteristics of fairy tales. Anthropological and psychological approaches will be employed to demonstrate their relevance for child development, for dealing with the hopes and dangers of the inner world, and for seeking personal and social integration.
Finally, we shall incorporate into the discussion modern transformations of the wonder tale in selected films, operas, satire and parody. 20th century examples of the “fractured” or “anti“- fairy tale (Franz Kafka, Angela Carter) will be covered briefly. The course concludes with the interpretation of two of the most enchanting and sophisticated works of the western fairy tale tradition.
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
Lectures, class discussions, presentations of related topics in groups of five students each
Recommended preparation
No specific prerequisites. Careful reading of texts mandatory; active participation in class discussions encouraged
Class assignments and grading
Participate in a 20 minute group presentation on selected other works of literature, film or opera dealing with themes of folktales or art fairy tales. In-class midterm, take-home or in-class final
Midterm and final: 50%. Attendance, group presentation, and oral class participation: 50%
