230630 Current Research Paradigms: Reception Theories (S) (WiSe 2009/2010)

Virtually all approaches to literature (and other cultural artefacts) work on the basis of the idea that texts, films, performances, etc. have an effect on their readers, listeners, and viewers. But to what extent can we actually study and theorize reception? How do reader concepts influence our understanding and interpretation of literature? Which disciplines have informed the study of reception? This course will look at a variety of theories of reception, the constructions of readers and reading processes, and it will cover both the classical contributions and the recent developments. A reader containing the theoretical texts will be made available at the beginning of the semester.