GERM 2200 The German Literary Legacy
A survey of German literature in translation from the late 18th century to the present. Representative texts in the German language from different literary periods and countries will be brought into dialogue with each other to examine distinctive literary styles and thematic preoccupations of German literature. We will investigate the representation of shifting societal values, conceptions of nature and identity, figures on the margins of society, and intergenerational conflict. Assignments and class discussion will be in English. Authors will vary according to instructor, but we focus on Nobel Prize winners and books that made a cultural splash in the German-speaking world.
Course overview
- Department
- German Studies
- School
- MCAS
- Credits
- 3
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Offered
- Periodically
Catalog details
- Satisfies core
- Literature
Requirements fulfilled
- German Studies: German Studies electives (five courses, 15 credits; may be taught in English and may include elementary and intermediate language courses) (Current University Catalog; students should confirm their catalog year)
- German Studies: The German Literary Legacy (one course, 3 credits) (Current University Catalog; students should confirm their catalog year)
- German: GERM2200 The German Literary Legacy (3 credits) (Current University Catalog; students should confirm their catalog year)
- University Core: Literature (All undergraduates)
Course evaluations
- Course rating
- 3.90 / 5 · Very Good
- Instructor rating
- 3.93 / 5 · Very Good
- Terms evaluated
- 2
| Term | Instructor | Course overall | Instructor overall | Well organized | Clear learning objectives | Intellectually challenging | Helpful assignments | Applicable beyond course | Attendance necessary | Weekly effort | Responses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring 2026 | Nicholas Block | 3.7 | 3.9 | 4.4 | 4.4 | 4.1 | 4.1 | 4.1 | 4.3 | 4–6 hrs/week | 15 of 19 |
| Spring 2025 | Nicholas Block | 4.2 | 4.0 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.6 | 4.7 | 4.5 | 4.6 | 4–6 hrs/week | 12 of 14 |