126-472 The Cultural Critics

This subject is taught in German. Formerly available as 126-033. Students who have completed 126-033 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.

37.5 points of second/third-year subjects in German language. European studies students wishing to enrol in this subject would normally have completed 37.5 points of European studies at second/third year.

This subject will explore some central themes in German thought from the 18th to the 20th century. Students will be introduced to Idealism (Kant, Hegel, Schiller), as well as to the critique of culture by Marx, Nietzsche, Freud and the Frankfurt School. Students should develop a critical understanding of these themes through a series of close textual readings within a cultural and historical framework. Students will be encouraged to develop and articulate their own positions with respect to the texts studied.

• have acquired skills in research, critical thinking and contextualising information;

• also have developed skills in communicating knowledge intelligibly through oral presentations and essays in German.

For third year: a 1000 word class paper during semester 30% (due during semester) and an essay of 3000 words 70% (due end of semester). For fourth year: a 1200 word class paper during semester 30% (due during semester) and an essay of 4000 words 70% (end of semester).

• Freud S, Das Unbehagen in der Kultur. Fischer.
• Marx K, Engels F, Manifest der Kommunistischen Partei. Reclam.
• Nietzsche F, Zur Genealogie der Moral. Goldmann dtv.