Courses
STWL 199-01
Faust in World Literatures
Common Area: Literature
Would you trade your soul for limitless knowledge, fame and fortune, unadulterated happiness, or omnipotence and immortality? The legendary Faust readily sells out to the devil, only to realize that he has robbed his lover of her life, his neighbors of their property, and his society of democratic opportunities. Goethe, who coined the term “World Literature,” revised and expanded his play devoted to Faust for over half a century. His work garnered him international renown and his successors have updated the bargain for their times, culture, and history. In this course, we will explore similar quests that have cost many their “Seelenfrieden” (peace of mind) in various contexts around the globe. Further, considering that Goethe was an avid reader and translator of foreign literatures, we will examine how Faust shapes the concept of World Literature. Readings will be supplemented in class by musical and film renderings of the Faust theme. A weekly practicum will be offered in German to those interested in counting the course toward the German minor/major.