In the late 19th and early 20th century, society was transformed by technological advances, industrialization and capitalism as well as new philosophical movements, urbanization and historical events with far-reaching consequences. These shifts can be traced throughout the entire range of the arts in the international phenomenon of modernism. “In English-language literary contexts, modernism is sometimes used as a catchall term for any kind of literary production in the interwar period that deals with the modern world. More narrowly, it refers to work that represents the transformation of traditional society under the pressures of modernity, and that breaks down traditional literary forms in doing so” (“American Literature 1914-1945” 677). Even though theater and performance have been a staple of American culture before the turn of the 20th century, it is often claimed that drama as a “self-conscious literary form” (683) only developed slowly in North America and only came into its own with the Little Theater Movement of the 1910s and 20s.
In this seminar, we will trace the developments within the dramatic genre against the socio-political background of the time (roughly 1914-1945). Focusing both on form and content, we will discuss cultural and political issues, such as race, class, and gender. We will experience various texts that portray a disillusionment with the time, while others are based on a hopeful optimism and belief in modern technology and development.
We will be reading a range of primary sources (tba), some of which you will have to acquire, as well as secondary material dealing with literary and cultural history as well as other issues relating to the dramatic texts.
If possible, one session will take place at night and we will watch a theater performance together as a group.
For students attending this seminar as part of the module EAS-1411, it is required to attend the Übung “Drama Analysis” (Krischer, Fri. 11.45 a.m.-1.15 p.m. – directly after the seminar). All other students are highly encouraged to attend the Übung as well.
This course is available to teaching students who want to attend it to prepare for the state exam. If you do not plan to receive credit points in this seminar, please do not sign up during the official Anmeldephase, which is intended for students who need credit points in the module. Instead, email me after to let me know that you want to attend this course in preparation for your exams.
Anmelderegeln
Diese Veranstaltung gehört zum Anmeldeset "ALW/ELW/NELK: Aufbaumodul BA/LA: PS".
Studierende der Anglistik/Amerikanistik und des Faches Englisch können sich bereits während der vorgezogenen Anmeldephase zur Sicherstellung des Studienfortschritts für die Aufbau- und Vertiefungsmodule anmelden. Hierzu wird ein gewisses Kontingent der Kursplätze im Zeitraum vom 22.08.2022 bis 31.08.2022 für die Anmeldung geöffnet.
Bitte beachten Sie, dass in dieser Anmeldephase Studierende in höheren Fachsemestern bei der Verteilung der Plätze priorisiert werden. Die allgemeine Anmeldephase beginnt am 05.09.2022 und endet am 10.10.2022. Folgende Regeln gelten für die Anmeldung:
Die Anmeldung ist möglich von 05.09.2022, 08:00 bis 10.10.2022, 12:00.
Es wird eine festgelegte Anzahl von Plätzen in den Veranstaltungen verteilt.
Die Plätze in den betreffenden Veranstaltungen wurden am 10.10.2022 um 12:05 verteilt. Weitere Plätze werden evtl. über Wartelisten zur Verfügung gestellt.
Die Anmeldung zu maximal 1 Veranstaltungen des Anmeldesets ist erlaubt.
