GERST 1112

GERST 1112

Course information provided by the Courses of Study 2015-2016.

Homer's epics make no mention of music, because to the earliest European poets it was an integral and therefore not distinct part of their performance. Although since then considered separate arts, music and letters have enjoyed an exceptionally close relationship in German culture. Modern literature attempts to make sense of music and uses music to approach the senseless. This course addresses 1) music as poetic device and 2) music as theme in German literature since 1800. Exploring these issues, we will work on developing arguments in critical writing. Readings may include Hölderlin, Hoffmann, Kleist, Nietzsche, Rilke, Mann, Bernhard, and Jelinek. We will also familiarize ourselves with the tradition of the art song (Lied) and watch at least one opera by Mozart and/or Wagner.

When Offered Fall.

Satisfies Requirement First-Year Writing Seminar.

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Syllabi: none
  •   FWS Session. 

  • 3 Credits Graded

  • 18265 GERST 1112   SEM 101

  • For more information about First-year Writing Seminars, see the Knight Institute website at http://www.arts.cornell.edu/knight_institute