German Studies 360 - Seminar: Advanced Topics in German Studies: The Many Faces of Goethe's Faust

Each topic focuses on a particular literary epoch, movement, genre or author from German literary culture. All sections taught in German: Writer, scientist, statesman, celebrity. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832) spent 60 years channeling his cultural and scientific knowledge, his worldly experiences, and his immense literary talent into one of the great works of world literature: Faust. This seminar explores the diverse facets of this celebrated work through close analysis of the German text combined with research projects driven by individual student interests. Topics have ranged from birth control and witchcraft to Newtonian optics, subversive verse forms, land reclamation, and the philosophy of time. Students are encouraged to bring their own interests and expertise into dialogue with one of the great minds and great texts of the modern era. Readings and discussions primarily in German.

Instructor Permission Req. Not open to first-years, sophomores