Historical knowledge of literary and non-literary writings of the period and
understanding of the role of literature in a specific socio-historical constellation
of discourses; how political concepts and ideals are represented in literature and
how they influence an author's poetics. Students will be evaluated on the basis of
in-class discussions, written assignments, such as reflective statements to be posted
on WebCt and essays, and a final exam.

1. Survey of political developments; the French Revolution
2. Writings of the German Storm and Stress
3. Pre-revolutionary political writings
4. A case study in absolutism: the state of Württemberg
5. Travel writings about the French Revolution
6. The Mainz Republic (Georg Forster) and the Siege of Mainz (J. W. Goethe)
7. Friedrich Schiller's post-revolutionary aesthetics
8. German nationalism and the "Kulturnation"
9. Political and literary alternatives to German Classicism

Students are expected to conform to the UGA Student Honor Code. The instructor will
communicate to students the required documentation for written assignments, what
constitutes authorized assistance in course assignments and the effect of dishonesty
or unauthorized assistance upon grading.