In its comparatively brief 200-year-long history, the short story genre has swiftly become an essential part of English literature. In this seminar, we will read and discuss a range of short stories by a variety of (mainly British) authors or from a British context. We will consider the texts against the backdrop of issues such as subgenre, narrative theory, literary history, and critical approaches (e.g. class, 'race', gender, ecocriticism, etc.). In addition, we will trace the development of the genre through different literary periods and subgenres. Overall, this course is designed to hone your practical literary studies skills with regard to the analysis, interpretation, and discussion of (British) short stories.
This course requires weekly reading and active (in class) participation. You may be asked to purchase a copy of a selected short story collection. If necessary, this will be announced in good time before the respective session. Otherwise, all readings will be made available online.
- Dozent/in: Esther-Marie Schilling