Advanced topics: plotting terror in european culture

Lectures: 2 sessions / week, 1.5 hours / session

This interdisciplinary course surveys modern European culture to disclose the alignment of literature, opposition, and revolution. Reaching back to the foundational representations of anarchism in nineteenth-century Europe (Kleist, Conrad) the curriculum extends through the literary and media representations of militant organizations in the 1970s and 80s (Italy's Red Brigade, Germany's Red Army Faction, and the Real Irish Republican Army). In the middle of the term students will have the opportunity to hear a lecture by Margarethe von Trotta, one of the most important filmmakers who has worked on terrorism. The course concludes with a critical examination of the ways that certain segments of European popular media have returned to the "radical chic" that many perceive to have exhausted itself more than two decades ago.

Focus for this term: Germany, Ireland, and Italy. Conducted in English, but students are encouraged to consult original sources when possible.

The course will examine cultural and historical moments of terrorism in European culture and media. Students will be expected to construct arguments of their own about the issues raised. The course places a premium on excellence in communication; papers and oral presentations account for nearly 100% of the final grade. Students are expected to demonstrate progress in critical analysis and expression.

Recordings of film and music will be placed on reserve at the Music Library. Students are expected to have viewed or listened to each work before the date of its discussion. Brief excerpts reviewed in class.

The method of pedagogy is based in three modes: instruction, practice, and feedback. Students are given the fullest opportunity to engage in seminar discussions. Students shall receive constructive commentary on each assignment, and will be asked to revise their work when appropriate.

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