Franz Kafka (1883–1924) has become recognized as one of the leading figures in world literature. Perhaps more than any other major author, Kafka is associated with one geographical location, which happens to be the city of Prague, currently in the Czech Republic.
Kafka’s works themselves are not explicitly about Prague, nor are they set in Prague. But we cannot say that Prague is irrelevant to Kafka’s works, for Kafka spent almost all of his life in the city. Therefore, we cannot “read” Prague through or into Kafka’s works, but comparing the two would surely be fruitful. The most obvious connection between Kafka’s works and the city of Prague is Franz Kafka the person. While one always wants to be cautious about biographizing creative work, this course will take into consideration Kafka’s life and times in reading and analyzing his fiction. Such an adventure is best undertaken in the city of Prague itself.
The course will focus on several of Kafka’s many short stories and, depending on student interest, also his most important novel, The Trial. Critical material to provide context and insight on Prague, Kafka’s works, and Kafka himself will also be studied. Kafka’s works will be studied in the best English translations available; they were originally written in German
The course will be decidedly student-centered. The mode of the course will be question-asking and discussion, rather than lecture. To this end, it will be necessary for students to be prepared for class and be ready and willing to participate in class. Students are expected to attend each class meeting.
Two main course papers are planned. The first will be the major paper of 2000 to 4000 words, due about three-quarters into the semester (after midterm exam week and before final exam week). The second will be shorter, 1500 to 2000 words, and will be a bit more informal. Specific assignments for each paper will be given in class.
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