Auerbach's Mimesis and the Novel in Recent History
COL 271
Spring 2012 not offered
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| Crosslisting:
ENGL 281, GRST 281 |
Erich Auerbach's MIMESIS: THE REPRESENTATION OF REALITY IN WESTERN LITERATURE (1946) was arguably one of the key texts for the founding of the College of Letters, as well as a widely admired work of literary and cultural history throughout the West in the second half of the 20th century. It seemed to explain the big picture--social history and its literary representation--in a manner that was at once theological and secular, closely stylistic and broadly philosophical. Nor was it without interest for less traditional thinkers: Edward Said translated Auerbach and wrote an appreciative introduction to the 50th-anniversary edition of MIMESIS. We shall introduce ourselves to the masterly book and read the last novel it studies, Virginia Woolf's TO THE LIGHTHOUSE. Then we shall study four post-Auerbach European novels that variously extend and challenge his interpretation of literature and literary history: George Perec, LIFE: AN INSTRUCTION MANUAL; Thomas Bernhard, CORRECTION; Javier Marías, A HEART SO WHITE; and W. G. Sebald, AUSTERLITZ. A principal focus of our attention will be the place of architecture in the post-World War II novelistic imagination. |
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Essential Capabilities:
Interpretation |
| Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
HA COL |
| Course Format: Seminar | Grading Mode: Student Option |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: None |
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Fulfills a Requirement for: None |
Major Readings:
Erich Auerback, MIMESIS: THE REPRESENTATION OF REALITY IN WESTERN LITERATURE
Virginia Woolf, TO THE LIGHTHOUSE
George Perec, LIFE: AN INSTRUCTION MANUAL
Thomas Bernhard, CORRECTION
Javier Marías, A HEART SO WHITE
W.G. Sebald, AUSTERLITZ
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Examinations and Assignments:
Three short papers or one long term paper, no exams. |
Additional Requirements and/or Comments:
Regular attendance and participation in discussion. |
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