WiSe 18/19: MÜ-Literary and Cultural Theories: World Literature
Cordula Lemke
Comments
In the course of nation building, literature has always played an important role: epic poems handing down a myth of national beginnings are just as important as e.g. historical novels that reinvent historical events. And it is hardly surprising that tendencies of globalisation also come with their specific literary agendas. From the moment Wieland had coined the term 'World Literature' in the eighteenth century, literary texts have become cultural ambassadors for the growing proximity of the different parts of the world. In the course of time, the terminology has undergone changes according to the political agenda. 'World Literature' has become 'World Literatures' and currently 'transnational literatures'. The terms have played with postcolonial notions of the globalised world, but they have also been rejected by theorists of Postcolonial Studies. This seminar will trace the developments of the terminology and their impact on literary texts.
Texts will be available on Blackboard.
close16 Class schedule
Regular appointments