German Literature
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
The German Literature course for the Master's degree is a specialisation compared to the German Literature subjects of the Bachelor's degree and is crucial to improve cultural competence in German literature and sharpen one's critical spirit. After having provided a broad chronological overview of the main moments and authors in the history of German literature from the 18th century to the present day over the course of the B.A., this course, taught entirely in German and thus also suitable for enhancing language skills, deepen specific issues and moments in German literature through rigorous textual analysis and critical interpretation. The lessons also demonstrate an innovative character thanks to the focus on both teacher-student interaction and autonomous production, offering the possibility of mastering complex textual analysis tools and methodological skills of literary analysis useful not only in the context of formation and professionalisation as a Germanist.
Expected learning outcomes
Knowledge and skills: Students are expected to be familiar with the historical and literary context of the works considered and to be able to understand texts (dramatic, narrative and poetic) in German in order to analyse critically and interpret them in their connections with the historical, cultural and artistic frame of reference. They must also deepen their knowledge of the theoretical tools that enable them to analyse literary texts, so as to show, in the course of the lessons and during the exam, autonomy and critical capacity in commenting on the works taken into consideration.
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
Course title:
Antigone in Deutschland - Transformationen eines Mythos (60 hours, 6/9 ECTS credits)
Prof. Dr. Marco Castellari ([email protected])
Part A (20 hours, 3 ECTS credits): Antigone in Deutschland: Ein Überblick
Part B (20 hours, 3 ECTS credits ): Antigone-Bearbeitungen für die Bühne (20.-21. Jh.)
Part C (20 hours, 3 ECTS credits): Antigone-Erzählungen in Literatur und Film (20.-21. Jh.)
The course, which is conducted in German, is intended for students enrolled in a Master's degree. It allows for the acquisition of 6 or 9 credits. Those interested in earning 6 credits will follow the syllabus for Units A and B; those interested in earning 9 credits will follow the complete program.
The course syllabus is valid until February 2027.
The course addresses the presence of Antigone in German-language literature, culture, theatre, and film. After an introduction to the myth, to Sophocles' tragedy and its reception in German culture up to the 19th century, the focus will be particularly on the rich 20th- and 21st-century phase. Here, Antigone becomes an unavoidable figure for artists and writers engaging with the wounds of history and existence, the issues of identity and gender, justice and power, and the relationship between the individual, community, and a livable world.
Antigone in Deutschland - Transformationen eines Mythos (60 hours, 6/9 ECTS credits)
Prof. Dr. Marco Castellari ([email protected])
Part A (20 hours, 3 ECTS credits): Antigone in Deutschland: Ein Überblick
Part B (20 hours, 3 ECTS credits ): Antigone-Bearbeitungen für die Bühne (20.-21. Jh.)
Part C (20 hours, 3 ECTS credits): Antigone-Erzählungen in Literatur und Film (20.-21. Jh.)
The course, which is conducted in German, is intended for students enrolled in a Master's degree. It allows for the acquisition of 6 or 9 credits. Those interested in earning 6 credits will follow the syllabus for Units A and B; those interested in earning 9 credits will follow the complete program.
The course syllabus is valid until February 2027.
The course addresses the presence of Antigone in German-language literature, culture, theatre, and film. After an introduction to the myth, to Sophocles' tragedy and its reception in German culture up to the 19th century, the focus will be particularly on the rich 20th- and 21st-century phase. Here, Antigone becomes an unavoidable figure for artists and writers engaging with the wounds of history and existence, the issues of identity and gender, justice and power, and the relationship between the individual, community, and a livable world.
Prerequisites for admission
Good proficiency in the German language (minimum starting level B2), familiarity with German literature and German studies, and solid independence in the analysis and interpretation of texts and in the use of critical literature.
Teaching methods
The lectures, both face-to-face and seminar-based, involve direct teacher-student discussion and the critical participation of students in the discussion of the texts and topics addressed during the lectures. Attendance at lectures also constitutes in this sense a fundamental formative moment for active and passive skills in the German language.
Teaching Resources
All course materials will be uploaded to the MyARIEL course page, following the progression of the lessons. These materials will be mandatory either for all students (both attending and non-attending) or only non-attending students, depending on the specific instructions provided. Text and materials will be divided into three folders:
Reader A: Antigone in Deutschland: Ein Überblick
Reader B: Antigone-Bearbeitungen für die Bühne (20.-21. Jh.)
Reader C: Antigone-Erzählungen in Literatur und Film (20.-21. Jh.)
All students are required to be familiar with Sophocles' tragedy "Antigone", which may be read in a language of their choice.
Reader A: Antigone in Deutschland: Ein Überblick
Reader B: Antigone-Bearbeitungen für die Bühne (20.-21. Jh.)
Reader C: Antigone-Erzählungen in Literatur und Film (20.-21. Jh.)
All students are required to be familiar with Sophocles' tragedy "Antigone", which may be read in a language of their choice.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam, which will always and exclusively be in German, consists of two parts.
For Units A and B, students may take a "Klausur" (a written exam in the form of a short essay chosen from three assigned topics), which will focus on one of the issues and texts/passages discussed in class. This exam will be scheduled at the end of the semester and will take place on a single date. Alternatively, students may choose to take the exam as an oral exam during one of the official examination sessions that follow, preparing all the texts and materials on the syllabus.
For Part C, which has a strictly seminar-based format, attending students will engage during lessons in activities such as analysis, individual argumentation, and group discussion. From this work, they will choose a specific topic to discuss during the oral exam. Non-attending students will also take this part as an oral exam, preparing all the texts on the syllabus and presenting a 15-minute "Referat" (oral presentation) on a topic agreed upon with the instructor at least two weeks in advance.
The evaluation will take into account analytical, argumentative, and interpretive skills; historical and cultural knowledge; critical-literary competence; and command of the relevant academic vocabulary.
For Units A and B, students may take a "Klausur" (a written exam in the form of a short essay chosen from three assigned topics), which will focus on one of the issues and texts/passages discussed in class. This exam will be scheduled at the end of the semester and will take place on a single date. Alternatively, students may choose to take the exam as an oral exam during one of the official examination sessions that follow, preparing all the texts and materials on the syllabus.
For Part C, which has a strictly seminar-based format, attending students will engage during lessons in activities such as analysis, individual argumentation, and group discussion. From this work, they will choose a specific topic to discuss during the oral exam. Non-attending students will also take this part as an oral exam, preparing all the texts on the syllabus and presenting a 15-minute "Referat" (oral presentation) on a topic agreed upon with the instructor at least two weeks in advance.
The evaluation will take into account analytical, argumentative, and interpretive skills; historical and cultural knowledge; critical-literary competence; and command of the relevant academic vocabulary.
Modules or teaching units
Part A and B
L-LIN/13 - GERMAN LITERATURE - University credits: 6
Lessons: 40 hours
Professor:
Castellari Marco
Part C
L-LIN/13 - GERMAN LITERATURE - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Professor:
Castellari Marco
Educational website(s)
Professor(s)