Course Description
The influence of Islam on Goethe was profound. This course examines various literary responses, such as his "Mahomets Gesang" or the "West-östlicher Divan"; considers how Islamic and Qur'anic thought is reflected elsewhere in his oeuvre; and investigates Muslim responses to Goethe (especially that of Muh. Iqbal). Taught in German.
Athena Title
Goethe and Islam
Prerequisite
GRMN 3010 or GRMN 3015
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
Students will demonstrate mastery of the course material by successful completion of exams, oral presentations, and written requirements as indicated on the syllabus.
Topical Outline
Weeks I-II 18th-century "Enlightened" Orientalism (translations of Qur'an, lives of Mohammad, etc.) III-IV Goethe's intro & poetic response to Islam (Herder, "Song of Mohammad") V-VII Poetry & Prophecy: Mohammad, Charismatic Christianity, and Goethe's existential & vocational choices VIII-XI "West-östlicher Divan" and the discovery of world literature XII-XV Muslim Response: Muh. Iqbal's "Payam-i mashriq" (Message from the East, 1923)
General Education Core
CORE IV: World Languages and Global Culture