120040 VO Literatures in English (2011S)

Metaphysical Poetry

5.00 ECTS (2.00 SWS), SPL 12 - Anglistik

Details

Language: English

Examination dates

Lecturers

Franz-Karl Wöhrer

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

Monday 07.03. 10:00 - 12:00 Hörsaal C2 UniCampus Hof 2 2G-K1-03
Monday 21.03. 10:00 - 12:00 Hörsaal C2 UniCampus Hof 2 2G-K1-03
Monday 28.03. 10:00 - 12:00 Hörsaal C2 UniCampus Hof 2 2G-K1-03
Monday 04.04. 10:00 - 12:00 Hörsaal C2 UniCampus Hof 2 2G-K1-03
Monday 11.04. 10:00 - 12:00 Hörsaal C2 UniCampus Hof 2 2G-K1-03
Monday 02.05. 10:00 - 12:00 Hörsaal C2 UniCampus Hof 2 2G-K1-03
Monday 09.05. 10:00 - 12:00 Hörsaal C2 UniCampus Hof 2 2G-K1-03
Monday 16.05. 10:00 - 12:00 Hörsaal C2 UniCampus Hof 2 2G-K1-03
Monday 23.05. 10:00 - 12:00 Hörsaal C2 UniCampus Hof 2 2G-K1-03
Monday 30.05. 10:00 - 12:00 Hörsaal C2 UniCampus Hof 2 2G-K1-03
Monday 06.06. 10:00 - 12:00 Hörsaal C2 UniCampus Hof 2 2G-K1-03
Monday 20.06. 10:00 - 12:00 Hörsaal C2 UniCampus Hof 2 2G-K1-03

Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

CONTENTS: The course will introduce students to the secular and religious poems by six English poets of the 17th century, commonly termed 'Metaphysical Poets': John Donne (1572-1631), George Herbert (1593-1633), Henry Vaughan (1621-1695), Richard Crashaw (c.1613-1649), Andrew Marvell (1621-1678) and Thomas Traherne (c.1637-1672). Starting from the definition of the fuzzy term 'metaphysical' as conventionally applied to these poets, the course will offer innovative interdisciplinary readings of selected poems, based on insights derived from spiritual theology, psychology and the arts. The life and works of these poets will be contextualized within the given cultural, religious and literary traditions. Common characteristics as well as the striking diversity of their themes and idiosyncracies of their style will be discussed. In particular, the perennial topic of man's quest for the direct 'experimental knowledge of God' (cognitio Dei experimentalis), which is central to the mystical poems of Herbert, Donne, Crashaw, Vaughan and Traherne, will be approached from a comparative and transdisciplinary perspective. Several of the profane love lyrics as well as a few famous erotic poems by Donne and Marvell will likewise be the focus of individual lecture units.

Assessment and permitted materials

ASSESSMENT: Participants are required to study all the poems on the 'Reading List' (will be posted in March); selected poems will be discussed in class but students are expected to study the remaining texts on the 'Reading List' at home (self-study) in view of the written final exam; ability to interpret a poetic text and the detailed knowledge of the subject matters dealt with in the lecture units are indispensable to pass the final exam (90 mins; obligatory).

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

AIMS: To familiarize students with some classics of English sacred and profane poetry and to introduce the audience to the lives, the world views and historical background of the major representatives of 17th c. Metaphysical Poetry; to alert students to the timeless and universal relevance of the spiritual and existential issues addressed in these poems; to introduce students to interdisciplinary approaches to literary interpretation and to advance their interpretative skills; to acquaint students with the poetic theories and poetic styles of these poets; to deepen students' cross-cultural understanding and linguistic proficiency.

Examination topics

METHOD: Multi-media based lecture course (PPT is used throughout, occasional use of online resources, use of audio CDs and paintings) combined with interactive teaching (plenary discussion, opportunity to ask questions) supplemented by self-study. (The use of the e-learning platform 'Fronter' is being considered.)

Reading list

Texts on the Reading List.

Association in the course directory

Studium: Diplom 343, UF 344, ME 812, MA 844;
Code/Modul: 321, 326/328, 336/338, 721-723, ME1, MA1;
Lehrinhalt: 12-0115

Last modified: We 09.09.2020 00:22