New German Course!

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An introduction to cultures of laughter and comical aspects of modern literature and film. This survey course sheds light on how literary/cinematic expression is shaped and transformed by modern writers and film makers. It tries to define how comical situations are related to universally shared abilities or socially acquired dispositions in different regions of the world. Discussions will focus on the audience’s sense of humor; the issue of genre (comedy, slapstick or satire); acts of mimicking, mocking, ridiculing, trolling; and the impact of different (multi)cultural settings. A diverse range of films and texts will help us understand the relationship between humorous portrayal and the audience’s expectations in local or global contexts. We will examine common themes such as eating, fasting, preparing meals, romance, trysting or feasting, etc. Readings include esteemed writers and newcomers, famous novelists and rebellious voices such as Brecht, Bronsky, Freud, Grass, Schulze, Özdamar. Films by Akın, Ottinger, Levy, and Schlöndorff.