Englisches Seminar - Ruhr-Universität Bochum

(excl. title page and bibliography; no table of contents please); BA Sem.: 8-10 pages;
MA/MARS Seminar 10-12 pages. All references should conform to MLA stylesheet!
Obviously the criteria for an academic essay at MA level are higher than those for the
BA.
Set text: Primary and secondary material will be made available via Blackboard (both
texts are in the public domain).
050 755 Klähn
The Great American Novel: From Poe to Pynchon, 5 CP
4 st. mo 16-19 (14-tägig) GB 5/38 Nord
The idea that the novel (as form of art) is an outstanding and unprecedented
example of modern aesthetics, is brilliantly put forward by the German philosopher
Hegel. In the wake of his blueprint definition, a whole scenario of theories of the novel
has evolved in the following two centuries. Consequently, the American search for a
non-traditional self-definition began to focus on a (post)romantic longing for being
“absolutely modern” (to use, once again, a European term [Baudelaire] and felt
obviously induced to succeed in this field with an unsurpassable output of quality.
Including basic novels from the 19th and 20th century (Poe, Melville, Hawthorne,
Twain, Fitzgerald, Hemingway, Hawkes, Pynchon, DeLillo), the seminar will analyse
the basic traits and constructive modes of this American “Greatness”, always looking
for unique elements of composition.
Assessment/requirements: Übung: two presentations; Seminar: one presentation and
an essay.
050 742 Müller, M.
American Originals, Adaptations, Appropriations, 5 CP
2 st. mo 16-18 GB 03/42
The originals from American literature that we will read in this course – and discuss in
their historical contexts – have all generated (filmic) adaptations/and adaptations
and/or literary spin-offs. This not only indicates their persistent influence but also
helps legitimize their status as “a classic.” Thus, in this course we will discuss the
phenomenon of “enduring literary appeal” and, with the help of some secondary