NEW COURSE NEW COURSE NEW COURSE
Fall 2015
Instructor: Dr. Glowa
email: jglowa@alaska.edu
Office: Gruening 609A Hours: MWF 12:30-2:00 pm
German 432: Studies of German Literature
German Theater after WW II
TTH 2:00 – 3:30 – Place: 614 E
This course aims to provide students with an in-depth study
of trends in German-speaking theater from the end of WW II
to the late Eighties of the 20th century. We will thoroughly
examine selected plays and read a variety of theoretical
texts in order to get a better understanding of Germanspeaking theater and of the socio-historical context in
which playwrights worked in the second half of the 20th
century. Handouts, books on reserve, and the use of the
internet will complement our study of the development of
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modern German theater from the end of World War II to the
reunification of Germany. Selected German movies relevant
to the course's central theme will also be shown and
discussed. Apart from some theoretical works in English,
course work, class discussion and dramatic readings will be
entirely conducted in German.
The following texts will either be read in full or as excerpts:
Borchert. Draussen vor der Tür
Max Frisch. Andorra
Bertolt Brecht. Mutter Courage
Peter Weiss. Die Verfolgung und Ermordung des Jean-Paul Marat
Handke. Publikumsbeschimpfung und andere Sprechstücke
Marie Luise Fleisser. Fegefeuer in Ingolstadt
Elfriede Jelinek. Präsident Abendwind
Thomas Bernhard. Heldenplatz
Botho Strauss. Groß und Klein
Course Objectives
Students will
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develop a broad knowledge of German-speaking theater and its evolution
during the second half of the 20th century
appreciate and analyze critically the content and form of German theater
forms from the end of WW I I until the Fall of the Wall
understand the links between dramatic works/performance and society at
large
apply, expand, and improve language skills and analytical strategies
acquired in previous German courses
Evaluation
Grades will be based upon three papers, the average of two oral presentations,
attendance, and two exams.
3 Papers (first 5 %, second 15%, third 25 %)
2 Oral presentations (in German, app. 15-20 min.)
Participation
4 short tests
45 %
15 %
20 %
20 %
Papers must be written in German. All papers must be double-spaced and use
Times Font or similar one, size 12. The first paper should be 2 pages, the second
5, the third 10 pages, plus bibliography. Drafts are required for the 2nd and 3rd
paper. All papers should be written according to the MLA Style Manual and
Guide to Scholarly Publishing, or The Chicago Manual of Style : The Essential
Guide for Writers, Editors, and Publishers. I expect papers to address some of the
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key issues regarding topics and the texts read throughout the semester. The tests
will include itemized and short essay-type questions.
Some Remarks on the Oral Presentations
Each oral presentation should be app. 15-20 minutes. I will indicate the topics for these
presentations. There will be a discussion after each presentation. If you have any
problems with your presentation, please come and see me, so I can help you.
How to prepare for oral presentations? Use the works on reserve or relevant websites.
The presentations should no be read but presented lively with the help of notes. Prepare
handouts with important information; use the board or POWERPOINT.
Ground Rules
Attendance Policy: Attendance is mandatory and will be taken at each class meeting. If you miss more than
two classes without a valid, documented excuse, your final grade will be negatively affected. Eight
unexcused absences is an automatic fail for the course. No make-up test will be given for unexcused
absences. If you must miss a class, whether for family emergency, illness, or religious holidays, please
notify me in advance by phone or email. Medical excuses must be documented. You are still responsible for
the material covered in class when you do not attend.
Classroom Etiquette
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No chewing gum, food, or beverages! You will need to be able to speak clearly and loudly, free of
any interference.
No pagers and cell phones!
Honor Code
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Exercise high ethical standards. High ethical standards are expected in this class. The
standards in this class adhere to the UAF Honor Code (p. 52, 2012 -2013 UAF
Catalog). The common guidelines regarding academic integrity are:
1. Students will not collaborate on any quizzes, in-class exams, or take-home exams that will
contribute to their grade in a course, unless permission is granted by the instructor of the
course. Only those materials permitted by the instructor may be used to assist in quizzes and
examinations.
2. Students will not represent the work of others as their own. A student will attribute the
source of information not original with himself or herself (direct quotes or paraphrases) in
compositions, theses and other reports.
3. No work submitted for one course may be submitted for credit in another course without
the explicit approval of both instructors.
Accommodation
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------If you have a disability and require any auxiliary aids, services or accommodations under
the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact me after class, see me in the my office,
or call me during the first few weeks of the semester so we can talk about your particular
situation. Early attention to specific accommodation needs provides enough time for any
necessary planning or preparation.
Note:
I reserve the right to make appropriate changes to this syllabus whenever necessary.
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Viel Erfolg und gute Zusammenarbeit im neuen Semester!
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