In the wake of Germany's changing demographic landscape - particularly the growing number of residents with Arab backgrounds - an important literary movement has emerged that blends German and Arab cultural forms, languages, and histories. This course examines the works of authors who either originate from Arabic-speaking regions and write in German, or who engage with Arab topics and identities in their German-language texts. By focusing on four key authors in this literary movement - Abbas Khider, Sherko Fatah, Rafik Schami, and Rasha Abbas - we will explore how these writers adapt and challenge traditional literary forms, reflect on migrant and exile experiences, and shape German literary discourse from within. All texts and class discussions will be in English. Knowledge of German and/or Arabic will be useful, but not required for this course.
3-5 units · Letter or Credit/No Credit
In the wake of Germany's changing demographic landscape - particularly the growing number of residents with Arab backgrounds - an important literary movement has emerged that blends German and Arab cultural forms, languages, and histories. This course examines the works of authors who either originate from Arabic-speaking regions and write in German, or who engage with Arab topics and identities in their German-language texts. By focusing on four key authors in this literary movement - Abbas Khider, Sherko Fatah, Rafik Schami, and Rasha Abbas - we will explore how these writers adapt and challenge traditional literary forms, reflect on migrant and exile experiences, and shape German literary discourse from within. All texts and class discussions will be in English. Knowledge of German and/or Arabic will be useful, but not required for this course.