German Studies 303: German Drama: From the Bourgeois Tragedy to Bertolt Brecht

What can the stage do that the page cannot? What are the fundamental flaws of a tragic hero? What are the differences between a tragedy and a comedy? What is an epic drama? This course introduces students to German drama from the nineteenth century to today, including bourgeois tragedy and expressionist drama. Students will read plays and theoretical essays by playwrights such as Johann Wilhelm von Goethe, Bertolt Brecht, and Elfriede Jelinek, and continue their linguistic and communicative development with a focus on advanced reading and analytical writing skills. The language skills will be obtained through regular readings, writing assignments, grammar exercises, student presentations, and discussion. Course taught in German. Offered every three years.