Monsters Machines Mermaids
and other Fantastic Creatures in German Literature and Film
German 322
and other Fantastic Creatures in German Literature and Film
German 322
The recent anxieties around AI reflect an age-old question; what exactly makes us uniquely human? Drawing from German Sci-Fi and Fantasy Literature and Film, we will investigate how artists have explored the idea of the 'human.' These explorations circle around creatures that occupy the liminal space between humans and what we consider non-humans. While some of these creatures aspire to transition into what we consider 'human,' others resist such aspirations. In doing so, these creatures invite us to challenge our preconceived notions of what it means to be human - or humane.
NO KNOWLEDGE OF GERMAN REQUIRED, NO PREREQUISITES.
Readings, assignments and class discussions are in English.
Fulfills the German and Gender Studies Elective, as well as these Gen Ed Requirements: Global Perspectives / Power, Culture and Identity /Creative Arts / BRW (Bibliographic Research in Writing).