070246 UE Readings in the History of Historiography (2025S)

The course's primary focus is on the narrative construction of historiographical texts, and the representation of rulers therein.
The course involves the close reading, interpretation, analysis and reflection on a range of historiographical texts.
The course will draw upon a range of examples from antiquity, the Middle Ages, modern times and the present day, with a particular focus on the works of Maximilian I (1459-1519).
The focus on Maximilian I (1459-1519) is particularly pertinent, as he is widely regarded as a figure of a transitional period between the Middle Ages and the early modern period, to whom historiography attaches great importance.
Attention has always been paid to Maximilian and his rule since his own days, as evidenced by Maximilian's deliberate staging of what he called the 'Gedechtnus'.
This impressive 'work of fame' is a testament to his legacy: „Wer
ime in seinem leben kain gedachtnus macht, der hat nach seinem tod kain gedächtnus und desselben menschen wird mit dem glockendon vergessen…“ (Maximilian I, Weisskunig)
In his magnum opus, Maximilian crafted an ideal-typical ruler figure by using ancient and medieval topoi and reference models.
This self-portrait was so effective that it had a decisive and formative effect on later historiography. Even modern historians continue to reproduce the image of an innovative ruler created by Maximilian's propaganda, which is mirrored in Maximilian's epithets 'last knight', 'father of the landsknechte'. and 'first cannoneer', particularly for the military field.

The following questions will guide our examination of the historiographical tradition:
Firstly, the role of figures/persons of rulers in the narrative constructions of 'history(ies)' as they have come down to us in the form of historiographical texts will be examined.
Secondly, we will examine the means employed to construct „history“ in these texts.
Finally, what do these texts reveal about their own time of origin? What about the time they deal with?
Finally, who are the „movers and shakers“ of history? Anonymous structures or „great men / great women“ (the 'Great Men Theory')? „Mentalities“ (Annales), „class struggles“(Marxism) or „epochs“ (historicism)?

We will deal with:

- Social perspectivisation of historiography (f.e., "great man or women"; "history 'from below"; social networks)
- The relationship between nature and culture ('nature or nurture') and the ontology of historical objects (historical anthropology)
- Gendered coding of historiography
- Questions from students...(I will strongly encourage you, to come up with your own questions!)

Upon successful completion of this course, students will have acquired foundational knowledge of the history of historiography. They will understand that historiography itself has it’s history, and they will be familiar with its central lines of development, traditions, and problems. They will be able to actively name and describe these problems. Furthermore, students will acquire an understanding of the diverse approaches of both traditional and modern historiography and their specific perspectives. Finally, students will be familiar with central texts in historiography.