GERM 475 | Outsiders, Pariahs, and Exiles: Modernity in German Jewish Culture

Prior to the rise of Nazism and the Holocaust, but also continuing abroad in exile, German-language writers, philosophers, and artists with Jewish backgrounds embodied the paradoxical role of being both prolific contributors to German and Austrian culture as well as quintessential outsiders with respect to these societies. In distinct ways, their works often addressed alienation, (anti)-capitalism, queerness, and uprootedness—all themes essential to European modernity. In this course, we will examine works by some of the major 20th-century writers and filmmakers of this tradition with the aim of obtaining a better understanding of this indispensable—and still influential—moment in modern European culture.

Readings and discussions will be conducted primarily in German.

Prerequisite: GERM 302, or permission from the Director of Undergraduate Studies.