This module will introduce to various aspects of the Storm and Stress era in Germany (1762-1789). We will discuss the cultural and political implications of artists such as Mozart, Haydn, Lenz, Schiller and Goethe. We will do a close reading of Goethe’s novel Die Leiden des jungen Werther/The Sorrows of Young Werther, and learn about the music, visual culture, theatre, poetry and prose from a period which has been a unique German cultural époque. We will use a bi-lingual edition.

On successful completion of the module a student will be able to:

describe and analyse the basic elements and theoretical framework of some cultural and political aspects from the end in the late-18^th century in Europe; understand and define some of the key paradigm shifts in politics, society and culture related to the period of Storm and Stress; develop an awareness of the mechanisms of intercultural exchange in Europe at the end of the 19^th century; place notions of Enlightenment, Counter-Enlightenment, the naive and sentimentalism in a wider European social, political and cultural framework and connect with Goethe’s seminal novel.

 One semester, 20 lectures and 8 seminars

a capacity to work independently and collaboratively; an ability to identify and critically assess ideas and arguments (both orally and in writing); an ability to present arguments in a clear, logical and structured manner; and  a relatively high level of word-processing and IT skills applied to research.

 In the semester key primary and secondary texts will be analysed, with a close reading of Goethe’s novel Die Leiden des jungen Werther/The Sorrows of Young Werther.

Johann Wolfgang Goethe, Die Leiden des jungen Werther/The Sorrows of Young Werther. Dover Publications, 2003.

Helen Watanabe-O'Kelly (ed.), The Cambridge History of German Literature. CUP, 2000.

David Hill (ed.), Literature of the Sturm und Drang. Camden House 2003.

Alan C. Leidner, The impatient muse. Germany and the Sturm und Drang. University of North Carolina Press, 1994.