A selection of Franz Kafka's novels, short stories and diaries will be closely read and analyzed. Readings, lecture and discussion in English.
4
UnitsOptional
Grading1, 2, 3
PasstimeUpper division only
Level LimitLetters and science
CollegeI took this class because I already love Kafka and wouldn't recommend if you don't. Attend lectures, take notes, study for exams, and do the readings! Kittler is very passionate and silly. Tested on pretty specific things in an in class midterm and in class final.
Incredibly nice guy. Insanely knowledgeable and passionate about Kafka. Super interesting to talk to during office hours. Lectures can be boring if you aren't into the material. Class is easy, just do the readings, most of them are just short stories. I would recommend this course and also urge you to talk to him outside of lecture, he's awesome.
Does not offer any very unique/interesting takes on Kafka and lectures are very boring. Readings are basic. Not worth it.
he spent 30 minutes showing us pictures and videos of typewriters
Of my 3 years of taking literature courses at UCSB, this was one of my all time favorites. Not only did I find one of my new favorite authors, but the class was collaborative and engaging. Professor Kittler is funny, kind, and caring and it really shows in his lectures. I would highly suggest this class to anyone interested in Kafka!
He is very sweet and accommodating and has a clear interest in what he teaches. But his lectures were incredibly boring, and I could not pay attention at all. The readings are very manageable and some are quite interesting, but some of them are really abstract. His lectures were very unclear but I had a lot of classmates who were very helpful.