Franz Kafka: An Author for the 21st Century

3-0-9 units. HASS-H · Undergraduate

Explores Kafka's world and his observations on a fundamental dehumanization of modern life that transcends time and culture and still resonates today. Through in-depth analysis, investigates the ways in which alienation and estrangement ¿ two profound themes in Kafka's work ¿ are portrayed in relation to bureaucracy and systems, technology and war, and the individual and the state. Examines these themes, which have come to be known as Kafkaesque, through the lens of contemporary digitalization and digitally mediated life. Students develop a research topic that is refined during the term through in-class discussion and workshops, writing, and oral presentations, culminating in a final paper. Taught in German. Limited to 18 for pedagogical reasons.