In this seminar we will reflect on literary conceptions of plants and explore the emerging field of 'plant poetics'. When attending this seminar, you should take an interest in ecocritical perspectives and be curious about aesthetic theory in relation to plants.
We will explore plant lore in poetry, prose, drama, and film - and we will thus aim at theorizing plant poetics with regard to generic and aesthetic constraints.

In preparation for this seminar please reflect on literary texts that you have read: do they include plants? What functions do plants play in the story world or on the level of narration?

A reader with shorter texts will be provided. Additionally, you will have to read a novel of your choice that makes you think about plant life.

Credit for the "Prüfungsleistung" is granted on the basis of a "Modulabschlussprüfung", an oral exam of 30 mins. - with the content of this seminar covering 15 mins.