09/18/2026
The two groups in Intro to German Literature today discussing Georg Büchner’s “Der Hessische Landbote (The Hessian Courier) from 1834 that features the famous rallying cry “Friede den Hütten! Krieg den Palästen!” (Peace to the huts! War to the palaces!) Class now turns to how Büchner’s play “Woyzeck” applies an analysis of the oppressed in society in a remarkably forward-looking way that looks at the intersection of social, political, and psychological factors at play in stoking the ills of society at the time. Next week class moves on to the women’s movement of the 19th century and its connection both to the advancements of women in middle- and upper-class society as well as in the working classes. GRMN 311 - taught in German and overenrolled this semester - checks plenty of thematic boxes for exploring the vital relationship between literature, the arts, and society. It's no wonder so many of our grads go on to leadership roles in fields like law and justice, community organization, health care, science, the arts, and education, among others, and become the mindful citizens and difference-makers they are. Go, UM German! 🐻🇦🇹🇩🇪🇨🇭🙌
