SoSe 22: HS-Studying the Present Moment: Rewriting the Canon
Sabine Schülting
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The debate about (Western) literary canon has gained new momentum in recent years. In February 2021, an article on “How to teach Shakespeare? That is the question” in the American School Library Journal provoked an outcry from conservative media. They voiced the fear that William Shakespeare would be cancelled by “woke teachers” because of his (alleged) misogyny, racism and classism. – Taking its departure from contemporary discussions about the Western canon in the age of globalisation, the course will explore the critical engagement with canonical texts in literary theory, literature, and popular culture. We will be concerned with feminist and postcolonial interventions, processes of canonization, the role of translation and the culture industry, as well as fan fiction. This will also include the discussion of selected rewritings of canonical texts (e.g. by William Shakespeare or Jane Austen).
Texts: We will decide together on the reading list in the first week of the semester.
Assessment: Students are expected to participate regularly, read the assigned texts, take part in the discussions, and contribute a presentation and/or short response papers. The exam is an essay of c. 7500 words. Exchange students (MA level) are of course welcome. You can gain up to 10 ECTS in this course.
close14 Class schedule
Regular appointments