GER 335 - Contemporary German Literature

This seminar focuses on literature written between 1990 and the present. We will explore topics such as the unification of Germany, multiculturalism, globalization, postfeminism, and the representation of the German past. Special attention will be paid to experimental forms of writing such as the prose poem, pop literature, the deconstruction of narrative patterns, and “the new storytelling.” Authors include Ingo Schulze, Christian Kracht, Judith Hermann, Nora Krug, Jenny Erpenbeck, Zafer Şenocak, Feridun Zaimoglu, and Yoko Tawada. Conducted in German.

Unit(s): 1
Group Distribution Requirement(s): Distribution Group I
Prerequisite(s): GER 311
Instructional Method: Conference
Grading Mode: Letter grading (A-F)
Cross-listing(s): GER 312
Notes: Cross-listed with GER 312 in 2025-26. Students will not be allowed to subsequently take GER 312 for credit.
Group Distribution Learning Outcome(s):

Understand how arguments can be made, visions presented, or feelings or ideas conveyed through language or other modes of expression (symbols, movement, images, sounds, etc.).
Analyze and interpret texts, whether literary or philosophical, in English or a foreign language, or works of the visual or performing arts.
Evaluate arguments made in or about texts (whether literary or philosophical, in English or a foreign language, or works of the visual or performing arts).