Studies in the Relations Between Literature and the Other Arts

This course will explore the writings of Walter Benjamin and his interlocutors. We will consider selections from Benjamin’s writings and correspondence.  Benjamin’s own modes of reading will provide a guide to understanding topics such as: paradoxical temporalities, Surrealism, translation, urban space, visual cultures and the image, Marxism and psychoanalysis, messianism, and chance encounters.

Knowledge of German or French is welcome (and will be incorporated into discussion) but is not required.

Texts

Walter Benjamin, Reflections

Walter Benjamin, Illuminations

Walter Benjamin, The Complete Correspondence, 1928-1940 (Adorno & Benjamin)

Walter Benjamin, The Arcades Project

Susan Buck-Morss, The Dialectics of Seeing

Margaret Cohen, Profane Illumination: Walter Benjamin and the Paris of Surrealist Revolution

and selections from Adorno, Arendt, Baudelaire, Brecht, Breton, Felman, Scholem, and Szondi

Recommended: Walter Benjamin: Selected Writings Volumes I-IV.