PS, 2st., Do 10-12, S 103 / FAN
BA (1.2), A4, A7; MAIAS elective; Lehramt
SoSe 2013
Universität Bayreuth
Credit certificates can be collected from Dr. Thomas Schönweitz during his office hours in GW I.
Course Description
In this course we will study the different literary pictures British authors created to express their thoughts about the dark abyss of 20th century society. In contrast to utopian fiction that features the idea of an ideal world, dystopian fiction can be regarded as a harsh reaction to the disturbing condition of its time depicting a world dominated by human misery. We will discuss which aspects of social life are addressed through the depiction of alternative societies and in which way this can be done. In order to understand the complexity of the criticism included, we will also consider the socio-political background of these works.
Texts to be obtained by students:
George Orwell. Animal Farm
Aldous Huxley. Brave New World
E. M. Forster. The Machine Stops
Anthony Burgess. A Clockwork Orange
