In the rhetoric of classical antiquity small forms were common place, while small forms of writing in modernity encompass philosophical thought prose and experimental short prose, from Friedrich Schlegel's fragments (end of 18th century) and Friedrich Nietzsche's aphorisms (end of 19th century) to Robert Musil’s essayism and Franz Kafka's notebooks (early 20th century). Kafka's concept of “minor literature” still exerts a considerable pull politically. It is used in the context of "minor" forms of every description (Gilles Deleuze and Félix Guattari), which differ from predominant forms, express dissident positions, or are tainted with the stigma of being inferior.
The course will introduce the literary history and epistemology of small forms.
Primary literature will be read in German and English, and, if available, in Hebrew.
The course will introduce the literary history and epistemology of small forms.
Primary literature will be read in German and English, and, if available, in Hebrew.
- Teacher: Brigit Ardel