Berliner Topographien / Berlin Topograph

The development of Berlin's urban space goes hand in hand with the emergence of an urban perception in literature.  The seminar traces these interactions--and tensions--between real and imaginary spaces from the early 19th century to today, with particular attention to the diversity of the city, which always has been shaped by immigration. Combining methodologies of the spatial turn with those of affect studies, we will study affective topographies that take place (or make place) in literature and unfold the dialogical, polyphonic character of metropolitan life, from E.T.A. Hoffmann, Walter Benjamin, and Alfred Döblin, to Aras Ören and contemporary voices including Fatma Aydemir and Tomer Gardi.

Course readings and discussion will be in German.