230624 Literature and Culture of the Romantic Era (S) (SoSe 2008)

Wedged in between the late 18th and early 19th centuries, the period of Romanticism was rather short, but nevertheless had considerable impact on British culture. In Britain, Romanticism reacted against some major tendencies in the cultural, social political and economic climate of the time (such as Neoclassicism, Rationalism and Industrialisation), was inspired by the spirit of rebellion of the French Revolution and influenced by new philosophies from the Continent, and is thus a trans-national phenomenon. In this seminar, we will study Romantic mentalities and modes of expression, paying particular attention to the cultural encounters that shaped British Romanticism.

We will, of course, read poetry by the 'major' romantic poets (Wordsworth, Coleridge, Keats, P.B. Shelley), and a novel (Mary Shelley's Frankenstein), but also essays and other documents from the period. A reader containing the poetry, essays and other texts will be available at the beginning of the semester.

Please buy your own copy of Mary Shelley, Frankenstein (make sure you obtain an annotated edition, such as Penguin Classics, NOT Penguin Popular Classics)