Fall 2009

CZ 301K • 1-Robots and Beer Pubs: Czech Culture 863-1945

Course Description

A heady and intoxicating introduction to a people and culture, which made Pistols, Robots, and Pilsner household names. We will take a virtual tour of Czech history, literature, film, art and brew mastery in an attempt to answer the central question: Who are the Czechs and why don't people take them more seriously? The course will conclude with a tour of Live Oak Brewery in Austin.

Grading Policy

Tests 50% Final paper 20% Short paper 15% Attendance and participation 15%

Texts

Derek Sayer, The Coasts of Bohemia Alois Jirásek, Old Czech Legends Karel Hynek Mácha, May Karel Jaromír Erben, A Bouquet of National Folktales Jan Neruda, Prague Tales Jaroslav Hasek, The Good Soldier Svejk Karel Capek, Toward the Radical Center, Talks with Tomas Garrigue Masaryk Franz Kafka, The Complete Short Stories

back