2024 marks the 100th anniversary of the death of Franz Kafka. What is the significance of this author today? Are Kafka’s works merely classics of another era? In this course we will revisit some of his writings to see how relevant they are to our lives in the 21st century. Kafka’s works feature protagonists who are overcome with existential anxieties and guilt as they are confronted with overwhelming bureaucratic powers. Does Kafka’s description of the human condition  anticipate the contemporary context? Reading The Metamorphosis, In the Penal Colony, in addition to a few short essays, we will explore whether the burning questions of Kafka’s times speak to contemporary readers. We will also look at the longer fiction The Trial with its theme of misinformation—is its symbolism pertinent to the world today? In brief, does the adjective “Kafkaesque” continue to speak to our times? How does he help us to understand our contemporary lives? What would Kafka have written about if he were alive today?

Please note that the course image is for decorative purposes only. The book pictured in the image will not necessarily be studied in the course.

Books to Purchase (will be available at Argo Bookshop during the weeks prior to the course beginning):

• Kafka, The Trial, trans. Breon Mitchell. Schocken Books. ISBN 0-8052-0999-9

Please note that this course has a maximum enrollment of 16 students and that TMI does not allow participants to audit courses for free.

Location: Atwater

First Session: Tuesday September 17th, 2024

Course Length: 12 weeks, Tuesdays, 6:15 to 8:15 p.m.

Discussion Team: Irene Menear, Esther Spector, Imogen Brian

Degree Credit: 3 credits

Course Fee: 

$100.00 (New Students)

$160.00 (Standard Tuition)

Administrative Fee:

$40.00

Total:

$140.00 (New Students)

$200.00 (Standard Tuition)

For 12-week courses, fees are refundable in full before the second session. If the participant withdraws after the second course, they will be charged a $50 fee. There is no refund after the third course has passed. Please note that non-attendance does not constitute a withdrawal.

Students pursuing studies for credit are encouraged to consult with their advisers as they register for courses.

Course leaders, and students wishing to use credit vouchers, should call (514) 935-9585 to pay by phone or to schedule an appointment to pay in person.