123251 AR Literature Course - Literature 1/2 (MA) American/North American & Cultural Studies (2019W)

This class is focusing on the function of fiction and on theoretical debates addressing the role of literature and the humanities. The course is structured in thematic clusters with suggested and mandatory reading, which include but are not restricted to: contemporary Native American and African American fiction, Ecocriticism and the Anthropocene, as well as Seriality and Mediality, and Literature in the Digital Humanities. Course contents will be adapted to Master students’ needs and interests so please think in advance about what your preferences are (which might both include current projects you would like to discuss or questions on theory ‘you always wanted to know, but were afraid to ask’). The idea is to contextualize contemporary controversies on theoretical positions historically, to have an active and informed discussion on the uses and practices of fiction in present times, and to create an environment that helps students reflect their own theoretical positions and projects.