Course Description
Focuses on German playwright Bertolt Brecht (1898 - 1956), one of the most influential figures in twentieth-century drama. Discussion of Brecht's political and artistic development during his Berlin years, a period of explosive political constellations and artistic controversy. Involves the discussion of art, music, film, and drama from the period.
Athena Title
BERLIN OF B BRECHT
Prerequisite
Permission of Honors
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
The course will provide insight into early twentieth-century literary theory, particularly Brecht's theory of the "epic theater" and the "alienation effect." Students will become familiar with the author's writings during the 1920s and 30s and Germany's complex political situation as it is reflected in Brecht's work. Students will also learn to assess Brecht's work in the context of modernist art movements and their relationship to social, political, and technological developments of the time.
Topical Outline
I. Introduction to the Course Life of Bertolt Brecht II. City Life Walter Ruttmann Berlin: Symphony of the Big City (1927) Poems from For Those Who Live in the Cities III. Imaginary Cities Bertolt Brecht In the Jungle of Cities (1922) Fritz Lang Metropolis IV. Berlin Stories Bertolt Brecht Letter About a Mastiff, Hook to the Chin Bertolt Brecht The Answer, The Good Lord's Package, The Job V. The Negative Collective Bertolt Brecht A Man's a Man (1926) VI. Virtue and Vice Bertolt Brecht Three Penny Opera VII. A New Poetics Bertolt Brecht Theatre for Learning Walter Benjamin What is Epic Theatre?; The Author as Producer VIII. Literature and Politics Bertolt Brecht The Measures Taken (1930) IX. Brecht's Work in Film Bertolt Brecht/Slatan Dudow Kuhle Wampe or Who owns the World? (1932)
General Education Core
CORE IV: World Languages and Global CultureSyllabus