Crime, Justice, Law

Gloria Steinem famously said "law and justice are not always the same." While this seems an obvious fact, taking a closer look at the discrepancy between these two concepts reveals the complexity of both. What constitutes a crime? Does breaking the law make you a criminal? What is justice in the face of a crime, and how does justice differ from the law - or from revenge? We will answer these questions by studying works ranging from the 18th century to the present, including crime fiction, TV shows, films, plays, philosophy, poetry, as well as a discussion of German and Jewish responses to the major crime of the 20th century, namely the Holocaust. All material will be available in its original German as well as in English translation. No prior knowledge of German is required for this class (unless you take it as German 321). 

If taken as German 322: Readings are in English, and written coursework will be submitted in English. No prerequisites. Fulfills the German Major Elective requirement, the Gender Studies Elective requirement, as well as the Global Perspectives and Creative Arts Gen Ed requirements.

If taken as German 321: Readings are in German, and written coursework will be submitted in German. One day a week, discussions will be in German, the other days in English. Prerequisite: German 301 (202 possible with instructor's permission). Fulfills the German Major Elective requirement, the Gender Studies Elective requirement, as well as the Global Perspectives and Creative Arts Gen Ed requirements.