Kafka: Literature, Law, and Power
GRST 385
Fall 2009
| Section:
01
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Elias Canetti claimed that among all writers Kafka was "the greatest expert on power." In this course we will focus on Kafka's narratives of power relations. We will read and discuss Kafka's sometimes painfully precise descriptions of how power is exerted in the family and in personal relationships, and how discipline is exercised over the body. We will also consider Kafka's depictions of physical violence and of apparatuses and institutions of power, and the ethical and political implications of these depictions. The working hypothesis of this course is that Kafka not only tells stories about power, but that his stories also contain an implicit theory of how power works in modern society.
All readings, papers, and discussions will be in German. |
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Essential Capabilities:
Speaking, Writing
Speaking: In a small seminar setting, students will have the opportunity to practice consistently their ability to express their thoughts in the target language.
Writing: Through regular assignments and writing exercises, students will have the chance to practice their writing skills in the target language.
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| Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
HA GRST |
| Course Format: Lecture / Discussion | Grading Mode: Graded |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: None |
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Fulfills a Major Requirement for: (GRST-MN) |
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Past Enrollment Probability: Not Available |
| SECTION 01 |
Major Readings: Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore
Kafka, "Das Urteil;" "In der Strafkolonie;" "Beim Bau der chinesischen Mauer;" "Ein Hungerkünstler;" "Ein Bericht für eine Akademie;" DER PROCESS; DAS SCHLOSS
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Examinations and Assignments:
Three short essays, one longer final paper. Several brief oral presentations. |
| Instructor(s): Plass,Ulrich Times: ..T.R.. 02:40PM-04:00PM; Location: FISK412; |
| Total Enrollment Limit: UNL | | SR major: UNL | JR major: UNL | | |
| Seats Available: UNL | GRAD: UNL | SR non-major: UNL | JR non-major: UNL | SO: UNL | FR: UNL |
| Drop/Add Enrollment Requests | | | | | |
| Total Submitted Requests: 0 | 1st Ranked: 0 | 2nd Ranked: 0 | 3rd Ranked: 0 | 4th Ranked: 0 | Unranked: 0 |
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