Dorothea von Muecke

I learned more about thinking in German literature terms and having more exposure to German literary writers.

As a required class for the German major I would recommend this one compared to others. The survey of major literary texts feels important in the context of German history and the development of literature. I think the class would be good even for students in Intermediate German, as Professor von Muecke is very willing to meet during office hours and to ensure that all students understand the material. The languages skills amongst students vary as well, meaning that all levels of German speakers could take this class. I'd also recommend it to anyone interested in Sturm und Drang for comparative literature. The homework assignments, while written, are not graded for grammatical correctness, but for the content of the response. A well thought response matters more than perfect grammar, which is very refreshing as most students speak German as a second or third language. 1 Columbia University: Arts & Sciences Fall 2022 Course: GERMUN3442_001_2022_3-Literatureinthe18thand19thCenturie : GERMUN3442_001_2022_3 - Literature in the 18th and 19th Centurie Instructor: Dorothea von Muecke

If you are a student who has a very good general grasp on 18th/19th century continental philosophy and is especially interested in aesthetics in the German context, I would say this class is quite helpful. If you are looking for a more general and systematic look at aesthetics - this is not a global survey. 1 Columbia University: Arts & Sciences Fall 2021 Course: CLGRGU4250_001_2021_3-AESTHETICS&PHILOFHIST(ENG) : CLGRGU4250_001_2021_3 - AESTHETICS & PHIL OF HIST(ENG) Instructor: Dorothea von Muecke

Some of the readings were quite difficult 1 Columbia University: Arts & Sciences Spring 2021 Course: GERMUN3991_002_2021_1-SENIORSEMINAR : GERMUN3991_002_2021_1 - SENIOR SEMINAR Instructor: Stefan Andriopoulos

We learned a lot about German culture through short readings and assignments. This is a required class for the German major or concentration, but you should take it anyway if youre interested in Germany or want to improve your language skills. You get accustomed to hearing fluent German and learning in that environment (if you have not taken a class like this before). You are challenged to speak and discuss works in German, and it really strengthens your ability to use the language.

Different genres of german literature, but also how to do close reading in the context of specific literary intentions and devices.

I think I acquired a better understanding of how to read and talk about literature in German. I'm not a fluent speaker, so this was also somewhat of a language learning opportunity (even though it's not officially a language course). I don't know that I learned anything in particular, but I do know that my ability and confidence in engaging with a German text as well as speaking notably improved.

I learned much about German authors and their styles, as well as how to better analyze and prepare arguments for literature outside of my native languages.

I think this course is something all German majors/minors/concentrators should take in that it's not like other language courses, rather a immersive literature course based in German.

Overall, this class was the most stressful of my semester, mostly due to the way the discussion is conducted (but I can't quite articulate exactly why; it was just a stressful environment that I think is avoidable). 1 Columbia University: Arts & Sciences Fall 2022 Course: GERMUN3333_001_2022_3-INTROTOGERMANLIT(GERMAN) : GERMUN3333_001_2022_3 - INTRO TO GERMAN LIT (GERMAN) Instructor: Dorothea von Muecke