Humor is a widespread human activity that occurs in many forms of social interactions. Although it has not received general and unequivocal recognition as an important feature of a nation's cultural life, observers of American culture have long argued that humor is a defining feature of their nation. As early as 1899, Bret Harte claimed that American humor had a "a quality as distinct and original as the country and civilisation in which it was developed," and, in 1931, Constance Rourke declared that "there is hardly an aspect of the American character to which humor is not related."

With its focus on the realm of politics, this class will regard humor as "a cultural index, a reflector of social change and conflict" (Boskin 1997). By looking at selected examples, it will attempt to acquaint students with the various forms that American humor may take and attempt to develop strategies for an academic analysis and discussion of the phenomenon. – Study material will be made available in the course of the semester.

Students interested in signing up for this class must be prepared to participate actively in class and to commit themselves to weekly reading and writing assignments. To receive full credit for this class (5 CP), students will have to produce a "Hausarbeit." More information about the specific requirements will be announced in the first session.

Important information: The time schedule for this class deviates from the usual pattern: There will be two additional all-day events: a block session (Friday, Nov 16) and a symposium devoted to the topic of political humor (Saturday, Nov 17). These are mandatory components of this class and students who wish to receive credit for this class must participate in them. Students who are unable attend these sessions should not sign up for this class.

Please use Stud.IP to register for this class. ILIAS will be used as an online communications platform during the semester.

John Steinbeck is one of the best-known, highly popular, and most widely read American writers of the twentieth century. His novels and his short fiction combine realism and romance and often address social issues such as class conflict and exploitation of the poor. He was also a writer of nonfiction in various magazines and newspapers and used these formats to address major problems of the 20th century – poverty, homelessness, and the environment. In 1962, Steinbeck was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature "for his realistic and imaginative writings, combining as they do sympathetic humor and keen social perception." In his Banquet speech in Stockholm, he expressed his conviction that the point of literature was much more than providing entertainment or distraction for the reader. Steinbeck believed that a literary author is "charged with exposing our many grievous faults and failures, with dredging up to the light our dark and dangerous dreams for the purpose of improvement."

On the basis of various selections from Steinbeck's writings, this class will explore the main aspects of the author's achievements as a writer. It will provide students with opportunities to analyze, discuss, and understand Steinbeck's work in the context of American literary history and encourage them to explore the various cultural issues which have given his writings an enduring relevance.

As usual, the success of this class will depend on student engagement and participation, especially their willingness to devote a significant amount of time and effort to the weekly reading and writing assignments which will be the centerpiece of this class. Prospective participants are strongly encouraged to purchase a copy of the book The Portable Steinbeck* and to familiarize themselves in advance with the general aspects of the topic.

To receive full credit for this class (5 CP), students will have to produce a "Hausarbeit." More information about the specific requirements will be announced in the first class session.

* Revised and enlarged edition by Pascal Covici, Jr., New York: Penguin, 1971 [ISBN: 978-0140150025]. The 2012 edition has a new introduction by Susan Shillinglaw, but the selection of texts is identical with the previous edition [ISBN: 978-0143106975]

Please use Stud.IP to register for this class. ILIAS will be used as an online communications platform during the semester.

This seminar provides students working on their final thesis with a forum to present their research plans, report on the progress of their work, and discuss research-related questions relevant to their theses. The class aims at supporting students in developing their initial ideas, improving the design of their projects, and exploring further ramifications of their respective topics. The format chosen for this class creates opportunities to exchange ideas with other students and faculty members, and allows students to practice their presentation skills in a friendly and supportive academic setting. Further details will be announced during the first session.

Please use Stud.IP to register for this class.