230692 Avant-Garde Writing. Reading Avant-Garde (S) (WiSe 2022/2023)

Focused on the structure, dynamics, and interpretation of avant-garde works, this seminar explores whether and how experimentalism is embodied, staged, and reclaimed narratively. We will discuss avant-garde movements and works, and the key techniques and theories for their critical interpretation. We will also practice avant-garde composition (e.g., automatic writing, chain and gap poems, logopoetics) and bring it in relation to avant-garde theory/theories of the avant-garde.

For those of you who would like a head start on the reading material, we will begin with Ann Quinn’s ‘motherloque’, followed by selected poems by B.S. Johnson and e.e.cummings. We will also consider selected works by Gertrude Stein, Eva Figes, Alexander Trocchi, etc.

Bibliography

All texts will be uploaded to eKVV with the exception of Octavia E. Butler´s Dawn and Victor LaValle´s The Changeling. Please acquire a copy of the books.