135822 SE Forms of censorship since the 18th century (2025S)

Censorship as a phenomenon can in some form be observed in almost all societies. A particular kind of institutionalized censorship (censorship offices, censorship laws) became a symbol for the suppression of free speech in the 19th century. Its abolition, however, did not take place until the 20th century in most European countries. During the 20th century, more extreme Forms of totalitarian censorship appeared in many political contexts. Other related phenomena (self-censorship, gatekeeping, ...) did play a role in liberal and democratic societies as well, and sometimes do to this day. They need not necessarily have negative effects only.
From this perspective, the seminar develops a perspective on the historical contexts of censorship. This will be achieved on a theoretical level (terminology and concepts of censorship studies) as well as with a view toward the effect of censorship on the literary production of various times. To a degree, we will also cover the censorship of periodicals, music, art, theater and film). This more practical reconstruction work will be done via exemplary cases of censorship, as well as through analysis of various types of sources (legal texts, lists of banned books, censors' reports, life documents, ...) from a number of eras and political contexts. It is an explicit aim of the seminar, to include a global perspective on the topic.
The bi-weekly format allows for more time working with texts and sources. The thematic focus for a number of workshop-classes (May 2025) will be finalized at the beginning of the semester in order to reflect the participants' individual interests.

Please note that during the summer term, Prof. Norbert Bachleitner also offers his lecture "Theorie und Geschichte der literarischen Zensur" (MA-M3). The topics of both courses are partly coordinated and allow for a more in-depth treatment of literary censorship. The two courses do not have to be taken in tandem.