A compact seminar designed to feature distinguished short-term visitors from German-speaking countries who have expertise in German literature and culture to teach topics that complement regular departmental offerings. One short paper is required. Taught in German.

In light of recent political events, this course will provide a close look at the body of thought of classical liberalism, and in particular its conception of the human being and its philosophy of education. As an introduction, we will read extracts from proponents of liberalism, among others John Stuart Mill’s book On Freedom (1859). Subsequently, we will focus on the German tradition? We will see that the ideal of individual self-development finds its literary articulation in the German Bildungsroman. Its prototype, Goethe’s novel Wilhelm Meisters Lehrjahre, will be central to our discussion. Please start reading this novel in advance! In the course both graduate and undergraduate students are welcome. Requirements will be adapted respectively. Participants are expected to give an introductory presentation to one of the texts we will be discussing. Presentations can be given in German or English, and please feel free to contribute to our discussions in both languages. Undergraduates are recommended to concentrate on their preparatory reading of Goethe’s Lehrjahre, one of the core texts of the German literary tradition. NOTE: This 2-unit seminar for advanced undergraduates and graduate students will meet for five weeks, from 09/03/2021 to 10/01/2021.

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