Who were the Grimms? This course will introduce students to the Grimms’ Fairy Tales, the oral tales collected and published by Jakob and Wilhelm Grimm in the early 19th century, which have been read by countless generations. This class will examine the place of fairy tales in the folklore tradition and their reception, such as “Snow White,” “Sleeping Beauty,” and “Hansel and Gretel,” as well as the collecting methods and intentions of the Grimms. We will discuss these intentions in the context of other, earlier versions of the fairy tales from Western Europe and around the world, and we will read other selected Germanic fairy tales, such as “The Snow Queen” by Hans Christian Andersen, in order to see how these typically darker fairy tales became adapted into Disney films. Texts will be available in German and in English, however, no knowledge of the German language is required for students of HUMA 302. (*Can count towards a Minor or Major Degree in German Studies via consultation with Instructor and/or German Program Director.) Fall, annually.
Grade Basis: Letter Grade
Credits: 4.0
