The main topics to be discussed are: 1) Socio-economic modernization and literary modernity at
the beginning of the twentieth century; 2) the role of Hungary in the culture of the Habsburg
Monarchy; 3) such trends as Naturalism, Symbolism, Art Nouveau, Expressionism; 4) the
influence of Freud and Marx; 5) the conflict between urbanization and Populism in the inter-war
period; 6) Socialist Realism and its opposition (religious poetry, individualist parables, Samizdat
publications, Postmodernism) in the years 1947-1996.
All texts will be read in English translation. Students familiar with the Hungarian language will be
encouraged to compare a few translations with the originals.
Exams: Midterm and final examinations
Papers: Graduates will be required to write a paper on a topic to be chosen in consultation with
the instructor. Undergraduates are not expected to prepare a paper.
Days and Time: Tuesday and Thursday, 2:30-3:45.