The course aims to offer participants a critical-literary perspective from which to reflect on the importance and relevance of myth, with particular reference to the figure of Faust. The aim of the course is to convey an in-depth understanding of the relationship between the “significance” (Hans Blumenberg) of myth and the critique of civilization implicit in it—not only in the context of German culture, but also in the context of European culture. The skills acquired at the end of the course will enable students to
1) interrogate the writings of myth from Hans Blumenberg's ‘metaphorological’ perspective;
2) read some of the great myths of modernity in the light of the ‘domestication of the divine’ that unfolds in them;
3) analyze literary mythopoesis from a transcultural perspective.
No pre-requisites required.
The course consists of lectures during which theoretical reflection is accompanied by textual analysis. Seminar-style lessons are also planned on some of the fundamental themes addressed by the course; students are invited to actively participate in lessons, both by suggesting reflections to share in the classroom and by proposing moments of in-depth analysis on the themes dealt with by the course.
.The oral exam consists of an assessment of the theoretical skills developed during the course. In particular, in addition to evaluating the learning of the theories on myth presented during the lessons and knowledge of J.W. Goethe's “Faust” and the previous versions that inspired it, the exam is also an opportunity to assess the acquisition of critical thinking about culture in general.
The skills assessed by the oral exam include:
1) the ability to critically read the theoretical essays included in the exam bibliography;
2) the ability to contextualize literary texts within the theoretical perspective offered by the course;
3) the ability to interrogate literary texts from a transcultural perspective.
The grade is expressed in thirtieths.
After an introduction to the theoretical debate that, during the 20th century, has variously revived the mythical thought at the center of European culture, and after a presentation of Hans Blumenberg's theory on myth,the course focuses on the literary reception of the Faust myth beginning with the anonymous text published in Frankfurt am Main in 1587 by the publisher Johann Spies. Part of the introductory lectures is devoted to rewritings of the legend in the work of Marlowe and Calderon up to its mythical reconfiguration in Goethe's “Faust,” in whose analysis much of the course consists. After traversing with critical reading this masterpiece of universal literature, the last lectures focus on the revivals of the Faustian story in the 19th century up to Thomas Mann's “Doktor Faustus.”
Those students who cannot attend the course are kindly requested to write to amelia.valtolina@unibg.it to discuss an alternative bibliography, consistent with the course of study.
Erasmus studentds and students with PDP or PEI are kindly asked to contact prof. Valtolina at the beginning of the course.
