480053 KO Colloquium on Literature: Bosnian/ Croatian/ Serbian (2024S)

What actually is space? The question of the nature of space is a complex and fascinating issue that transcends the boundaries between philosophy, physics, psychology and many other disciplines. Space is more than just the void between objects – it carries a deep meaning that is shaped by cultural, social and individual perspectives. In philosophy, thinkers such as Immanuel Kant have postulated that space is not an independent reality, but a structure of the human mind that serves to organise experience. On the other hand, physicists have developed models that view spacetime as a continuous extension that interacts with matter. In everyday life, space can also be interpreted metaphorically – as a social space that characterises relationships and interactions, or as a psychological space that describes an individual's inner realm of experience. Last but not least, space and its structure are an integral part of language, organising thoughts and meaning. Phrases such as "you have to give me more space", "she's a down-to-earth woman" or "I felt like I was a million miles away" bear witness to this. The question "What is space?" invites us to go beyond the physical dimension and explore the multi-layered nature of this concept in all its facets.

In literature, space is used to create meanings and unfold stories. Space in literature is far more than just a descriptive backdrop. It is a vital agent that influences atmosphere, mood and storylines. Authors consciously design spaces to convey emotions, shape characters and explore complex themes. Space in literary works can carry symbolic meanings, reflect cultural identities or even develop its own narrative dynamics. From claustrophobic interiors to vast landscapes, literary space reflects creative choices and social tendencies. Thus, in literature, space is a multi-layered element that not only defines the physical setting of a story, but also reveals deeper levels of meaning and interpretation.

For this reason, the Conversatorium provides an overview of the fundamentals of contemporary spatial theory. Michel Foucault's heterotopias, for example, allow a close look at the functioning of special, segregated places such as the prison, the psychiatric ward or even the "heterotopia par excellence", the ship. Marc Augé's theory of non-places allows an analysis of less homely and perhaps sometimes somewhat eerie places such as airports and bus stops, motorway rest stops, hotel rooms and shopping centres. And Michel de Certeau explains why walking in the city is a social and cultural practice that not only changes the walkers, but also the cityscape and society. Suitable examples from literature illustrate these perspectives and open up - well! - a space for discussion and analysis. So step right in!