This module seeks to introduce students to the genre of the fantastic in German literature, focusing on two areas: fairytales in the Grimm’s Märchen and contemporary Romanticism (Tieck, Hoffmann).

It will familiarise students with key theories of the genre, with a particular emphasis on Todorov’s theory of the fantastic, and Freud’s reading of Der Sandmann and develop students’ skills in textual interpretation through close reading.

(LO1) Students will demonstrate an understanding of the literary genre of the fantastic and the psychological notion of the uncanny.

(LO2) Students will have enhanced their critical reading skills of narrative prose from a range of historical periods, and of theoretical texts and secondary literature.

(LO3) Students will be able to apply theoretical concepts to literary texts and assess the merits of competing interpretations.

(S1) Communication, listening and questioning respecting others, contributing to discussions, communicating in a foreign language, influencing, presentations

(S2) Literacy application of literacy, ability to produce clear, structured written work and oral literacy - including listening and questioning

(S3) Problem solving/ critical thinking/ creativity analysing facts and situations and applying creative thinking to develop appropriate solutions.

(S4) Research management developing a research strategy, project planning and delivery, risk management, formulating questions, selecting literature, using primary/secondary/diverse sources, collecting & using data, applying research methods, applying ethics

(S5) Global perspectives demonstrate international perspectives as professionals/citizens; locate, discuss, analyse, evaluate information from international sources; consider issues from a variety of cultural perspectives, consider ethical and social responsibility issues in international settings; value diversity of language and culture

The majority of teaching will be delivered face-to-face on campus. Online delivery will be used to complement the on-campus delivery and where technology affords a better learning experience.

Lecture:
Two introductory lectures set out key theories of the fantastic.

Seminar:
Seminars will be a mix of whole-group and small-group discussion, based upon contextual, thematic and stylistic analyses of the set texts. Students are expected to prepare fully for the seminars and will be expected to make substantial oral contributions to discussions.

Topics covered during the module may include:

Theories of the unreal, including Todorov’s ‘fantastic’ and Freud’s ‘Das Unheimliche’;

The Grimms and Romanticism;

The Grimms’ Märchen;

Contemporary critical approaches to fairytales;

Tieck, Der blonde Eckbert;

ETA Hoffmann, Der Sandmann;

Narrative form and the fantastic;

Close reading and essay design and planning.