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.

This course explores the role of archives in constructing narratives about communities, identities, and power, paying particular attention to communities historically marginalized along intersecting lines of gender, sexuality, race, and diaspora. We will consider gaps in the historical record and interrogate how such omissions impact our subjective and ethical relationship to these archival bodies of knowledge. Engaging with theory, literature, and film, we will ask questions such as—Why do we archive, and for whom? What is the relationship between archive, self, and community? How might one reanimate lost, erased, and forgotten archives? We will study a wide range of genres and media, including critical essays, short stories, films, graphic novels, and emerging art practices. Students will also become familiar with university archives, community-based archives, and digital archives. Readings will be drawn from emerging and canonical theory in migration & critical race studies, environmental history, queer studies, and new media studies.

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