This course offers a survey of modern German literary, cultural, and intellectual currents, as well as an introduction to argumentation and analysis. Students will examine numerous issues and questions central to defining the complexity of modern German culture. R5A satisfies the first half of the Reading and Composition requirement, and R5B satisfies the second half.

Maybe they’re born with it. Maybe they’ve worked for it. Western history is rife with stories of geniuses: authors, artists, scientists and, most recently, entrepreneurs who have been given that sometimes-dubious title. But what’s in a genius? Can one become a genius? Why do stories of so-called geniuses—their successes and their failures—continue to captivate us? In this course, we will answer these questions with the help of German literary examples in English translation. In the late 18 th and early 19 th centuries, the “genius” was lauded by German thinkers and poets as an independent artist with inherent talent, one who defies cultural norms and follows his intuition in the creation of great works of art. On the flip side of the genius are the strivers and the fakes, those who aspire to greatness but do not (or cannot) reach it. Our goal in this class will not be to learn to recognize or name genius, but rather to critically question the narrative behind it. We will uncover the long history of this term and its afterlives in our contemporary moment. Our course readings will take us to early modern Germany, but also to Renaissance Italy and modern-day Hollywood. As a Reading & Composition course, we will place extended attention on developing critical reading and writing skills. Students will complete several analytical writing assignments throughout the session, culminating in a research paper. In addition, students will complete regular bCourses discussion posts and will participate in writing workshops and peer review sessions. This course satisfies the second half of the university’s Reading and Composition requirement.

Requisites

• Previously passed an R_A course with a letter grade of C- or better. Previously passed an articulated R_A course with a letter grade of C- or better. Score a 4 on the Advanced Placement Exam in English Literature and Composition. Score a 4 or 5 on the Advanced Placement Exam in English Language and Composition. Score of 5, 6, or 7 on the International Baccalaureate Higher Level Examination in English.

Credit Restrictions

Students will receive no credit for GERMAN R5B after passing GERMAN 5B.

Repeat Rules

Course is not repeatable for credit.

Requirements class fulfills