L.008.32110 The Age of Revolution: English Culture and Society 1603 - 1689

Lehrende: Prof. Dr. Christoph Ehland

Veranstaltungsart: Hauptseminar

Orga-Einheit: Anglistik/Amerikanistik

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Unterrichtssprache: Englisch

Min. | Max. Teilnehmerzahl: - | 45

Literatur:
All students ought to acquire a copy of Shakespeare’s "The Tempest". Other reading material will be made available electronically
.
Read The Tempest for the beginning of term. Please note that there will be at least one unannounced Critical Appreciation Exercise (CAE).

Kommentar:
Please note: this seminar will take place in conjunction with the Ringvorlesung "Barock im Norden?"

The 17th century in British history is often perceived as a confusing period of political unrest and cultural counter-currents. Although many developments may seem ambiguous it is also true that this period saw some of the most significantly groundbreaking advances in British cultural and political history which were instrumental in shaping the nation. In fact, between the Union of the Crowns in 1603 to the passing of the English Bill of Rights and the Scottish Claim of Right in 1689 Britain’s political stance was more than once turned on its head, but by the end of the century the country had received its definitive constitutional framework.

The accession of the House of Stuart to the English throne in 1603 saw no diminution in the country's flourishing literary and artistic scene, but artistic taste now took on an international dimension: while Shakespeare continued to write his later plays the Flamish painter Peter Paul Rubens came and worked for the Stuart court in London. The shift in government went along with a shift in court representation, soon accompanied by a rise in political tension. The Civil War interfered with this phase of artistic productivity. As a liberating yet disturbing event it shook the foundations of British society.

This seminar aims to provide students with an outline of the historical developments during the 17th century and will enquire into a select number of case studies dealing with its cultural and literary achievements. In addition to the lectures of the "Ringvorlesung" four block sessions will focus on the following topics:

- Drama and Stuart Politics: theatrical culture before the closing of the theatres in 1642
- Literature and Revolution: the Civil War and the involvement of literary figures
- Architecture and Style: the rebuilding of London after the Great Fire of 1666
- Painting and Politics: Rubens and the new style in England

All students ought to acquire a copy of Shakespeare’s "The Tempest". Other reading material will be made available electronically
.
Read The Tempest for the beginning of term. Please note that there will be at least one unannounced Critical Appreciation Exercise (CAE).

Termine der Ringvorlesung: Mi, 23.11., 30.11., 7.12., 11.1., 18.1., 25.1., 1.2. (18.30-20.00 Uhr)

Termine der Blocksitzungen:
Mi. 12.10. Drama and Stuart Politics (18.00-20.00 Uhr)
Mi. 26.10. Literature and Revolution (18.00-20.00 Uhr)
Sa. 26.11. Architecture and Style / Painting and Politics (9.30-12.30 Uhr)

Wichtige Hinweise:
Blockveranstaltung